West Berkshire Neurological Alliance

We wish to thank the following people for their sterling work on behalf of the Alliance

John Holt

At the 2016 AGM, John Holt stood down from the Executive Committee. He was one of the founder members of the Alliance in 1999, and had served it continuously and selflessly since then. It can safely be said that no individual has done more for the organisation than John, who at times took on what seemed like most of the roles required to make everything work, and helped us to make a difference out of all proportion to the organisation's small size. John's certificate carried the citation:

'In recognition of over seventeen years of tireless work on behalf of West Berkshire Neurological Alliance. Without his efforts the organisation would not be what it is today.'
 

John is now devoting his charitable efforts to The West Berkshire Therapy Centre, of which he was also one of the founders, as well as enjoying some well earned time for himself and his family. His energy and contribution are greatly missed.

Fred Davison

In 2014 Fred Davison stood down from the Executive Committee after many years of service. Fred was presented with honorary life membership. His certificate carried the citation:

'In recognition of all his work and support, variously as Secretary, National Delegate, Conference Organiser and in many other roles for the Alliance.'
 

Fred was a stalwart of the organisation for many years, leading on many fronts with passion and distinction. Executive Committee members past and present always found it great to have Fred around and we thank him most warmly for everything he has done for the organisation and for people affected by a neurological condition. Thank you Fred!
 

Dr Elizabeth Johnston

On 4th September 2014 WBNA recognised the work of Dr Elizabeth Johnston, awarding her the citation: ‘The individual who has done most for the development of services for those in Berkshire West affected by a neurological condition’, in recognition of her work leading South Reading Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and the Berkshire West Federation of CCGs'.

Dr Johnston demonstrated an interest in improving how neurological needs should be met from the moment the NHS reorganised, in April 2013, when GPs were placed in charge of NHS commissioning. She worked tirelessly to persuade a local GP prepared to lead on neurological service developments and, most impressively, in due course she found four GP leads, one in each of the four GP clusters in Berkshire West. On her final day before standing down as the lead GP for Long Term Conditions in Berkshire West, she chaired the first meeting of those GPs, with ourselves and other key players present. Establishing this neuro leadership team will be key to the delivery of the five year plan that she has asked the GP leads to develop and deliver. Elizabeth Johnston leaves a fine legacy for everyone to build from. Thank you Dr Elizabeth Johnston!

 

Membership embraces the following medical conditions and groups

Alzheimer’s Society, West Berkshire Branch and Reading Branch

Ataxia Thames Valley

SCOPE, representing Cerebral Palsy

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

West Berkshire Disability Alliance

Dystonia Society, Oxford and Berkshire Support Groups

Epilepsy Action, Reading Branch

Fibroaction West Berkshire

Fibromyalgia Support Group, Reading

Headway Thames Valley (Head Injuries)

Huntington's Disease Association

West Berkshire Mencap, representing Learning Difficulties

Meningitis Trust Southern Region

Motor Neurone Disease Association, Reading and West Berkshire Branch

Berkshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre

Multiple Sclerosis Society, Newbury and District Branch and Thames Valley Region

Reading ME Support Group

Myasthenia Gravis Association, Berkshire Branch

Neuralgic Amyotrophy

Neuro-oncology support group

Parkinson’s Disease Society, Newbury and District Branch and Reading Branch

British Polio Fellowship, Berkshire Branch

PSP Association also representing Cortico Basal Degeneration

ASBAH Thames Valley representing Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

Spinal injuries

Stroke Care for Newbury and West Berkshire

Tuberous Sclerosis

Younger people with Dementia (Berkshire)

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Membership is open to non-profit making organisations in Berkshire West that represent people with a neurological condition, or are specifically interested in promoting the care of such people. It is also to individuals who have a neurological condition for which there is no support group, or who have an interest in promoting the care of such people. There is no charge to organisations or to individuals for membership
 

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West Berkshire Neurological Alliance  

is a Registered Charity no. 1081021

January 2021