In this week’s episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey speaks with Kate Gray from Move4Parkinson’s, a unique Irish charity founded by people living with Parkinson’s disease to support others through movement, music, and community.
Kate’s connection to the organisation began 14 years ago when her father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. “At first, I thought Parkinson’s just meant having a tremor,” she explains. “But there are more than 40 symptoms, and everyone’s experience is different.”
Her father never developed a tremor but struggled with reduced mobility, hallucinations, and cognitive difficulties. “It was heartbreaking,” she says. “When he was first diagnosed, we didn’t know where to turn. For two years, it was like the elephant in the room.”
Everything changed when Kate saw an RTÉ documentary about Move for Parkinson’s and decided to get involved. “I watched it with tears of joy. It was the first time I felt hope,” she recalls. “We went to a choir event, and from the moment we walked through the doors, we were met with warmth and understanding. It felt like family.”
Singing, Dancing, and Moving Together
Move for Parkinson’s was founded by Mags Malarney, who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s. She discovered that physical movement and singing could help manage symptoms — so she created a space where people could experience that joy together.
The organisation’s Voices of Hope Choir has been running for 15 years and now includes groups in Dublin, Mullingar, and Castleknock. Members sing, move, and connect in an atmosphere of total acceptance. “Nobody minds if your hands shake or you have to sit down,” Kate says. “It’s such a non-judgmental, joyful space.”
Set dancing, yoga, Pilates, and music therapy classes also play a big part in the charity’s work. These activities help with coordination, balance, and mood — while also creating an uplifting sense of community. “The rhythm of Irish music does something in the brain,” Kate explains. “It helps people move more freely, improving gait and balance.”
Building Connection and Confidence
Move for Parkinson’s also runs support groups for people with Parkinson’s and their families. “When someone is newly diagnosed, they often feel completely alone,” Kate says. “To be able to pick up the phone or walk into a room where everyone understands what you’re going through — that’s life-changing.”
Kate has since joined the charity’s board and now helps to organise fundraising events, including the popular annual Christmas concert, which brings together the choir and children from St Nicholas Montessori School in Dún Laoghaire. This year’s concert takes place on 6 December at St Paul’s Church, Glenageary.
For Kate, Move for Parkinson’s has been more than just an organisation — it’s been a lifeline. “We’ve shed a lot of tears, but we’ve also had so much laughter,” she says. “My dad has a full and active life. He goes to choir, Pilates, and support groups.”
💬 “When you find Move for Parkinson’s, you realise you’re not alone. There’s warmth, understanding, and a sense of belonging that changes everything.”
About the Episode
This interview aired on Disability Matters with John Comiskey on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
📍 Learn more about Move for Parkinson’s at www.move4parkinsons.com or follow on Facebook for updates on events and classes.
📻 Tune in to Disability Matters Thursdays at 4PM | Repeats: Mon 3AM, Tue 3AM & 7AM | Also available on Mixcloud
On photo: Kate Gray and her dad