‘Jeanette inspires me two years on’

Two years after losing her “inspiring” best friend to Multiple Sclerosis, a Winmarleigh woman has held a fundraiser to raise awareness of the condition.
Rachel parker (left) with Jeanette Armes (middle) and another friendRachel parker (left) with Jeanette Armes (middle) and another friend
Rachel parker (left) with Jeanette Armes (middle) and another friend

Rachel Parker says she was devastated when colleague Jeanette Armes was diagnosed with MS, a neurological condition of the central nervous system, in her early 20s but says it never stopped her “zest for life”.

In 2013, Jeanette, 34, who lived in Forton, lost her battle with MS and Rachel now wants to open more people’s eyes to the symptoms of the condition.

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Rachel said: “I met my best friend, the beautiful woman who inspired me then and inspires me still, in 1997 when I began work at the Patten Arms in Winmarleigh. Jeanette had a rare zest for life, she smiled a lot, cared more, loved shopping and a pamper session as well as attending music concerts when she could. She always tried to make the best of what she had, Jeanette had determination and a very positive outlook, her motto was always don’t think about it, just do it.

“When Jeanette was diagnosed with MS, the dreadful disease robbed her of many things including her future. Being confined to a wheelchair was no barrier to Jeanette’s enthusiasm and determination though and when she could she always helped raise funds for the Neuro Drop-in Centre in Lancaster. I’ve always wanted to do something in Jeanette’s memory and I think what we’ve done would’ve been perfect for her.”

The event was held in the Wyrebank, in St Michael’s, on November 30 and included lots of festive stalls, beauty products and a fashion show by Garstang’s Bombshell Betty Boutique.

Over £1,700 was raised by the 130 people that attended.

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