Group hopes film will show Parkinson's challenges

Members of a dance group who will star in a film inspired by a nurse who said she could smell Parkinson's hope it will demonstrate how challenging the condition can be.

Virtual Motion Dance, which aims to improve muscle strength and coordination in patients, was approached to appear in A Scent, based on the story of Joy Milne.

The feature is designed to raise awareness of Parkinson's and how it affects patients and families.

Hema Reilly, a member of the Leicester-based group who was diagnosed in 2016, said: "It's given us the opportunity to show people in the wider community what Parkinson's is and how challenging it can be."

Reilly, who was 51 when she was diagnosed, has worked to help others in her community understand the condition.

She now runs a cafe which helps patients and families, as well as being part of Virtual Dance Motion.

She added: "It's a vile illness but it's all about the mindset. If you're positive about it then it'll work for you."

Anne Brandon, 86, from Groby, was diagnosed in May 2022, shortly after the death of her husband.

She said dancing has been beneficial for her, both physically and mentally.

"There's a lot of laughs and camaraderie, I always feel good when I finish a class," she added.

"When you think about the moves, you're using your brain as well as your body."

Brandon and other members of the dance group were shown a clip from the new film during a recent class.

She said she found it "extremely moving".

"It makes you think what is ahead for yourself. I think it will help people to understand what this disease can entail," she added.

A Scent, which stars Josie Walker and Carl MacAninch, is being prepared for a UK and international festival run.

Laura Rollins, executive producer, said a key element of the film was the respect shown to people with Parkinson's disease.

"This condition can really pull people apart but also bring people together. It was important to us to feature the Parkinson's dance community," she said.

"The over arching thing for the film is that there is hope and support out there.

"Parkinson's doesn't have to destroy lives."

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