However, they said celebrities talking about their experiences with the disease, such as Scottish comedian Billy Connolly who discussed his experiences in a documentary this week, and actor Michael J. Fox, have gone a long way to help.

Support group co-ordinator Bernie Duffy became involved after his wife Petah Duffy was diagnosed with the degenerative disease, which affects people mentally and physically.

“I think it always helps when celebrity people come out and let people know they live with Parkinson’s and just how difficult it is,” Mr Duffy said.

“When people have Parkinson’s it’s a bit of a conversation starter, a lot of people don’t know how to broach it with their friends and family.

“It’s got a stigma attached to it, these celebrities coming out does help with that, the stigma is because people don’t know what it’s about.”

Mrs Duffy said being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease is daunting and for many people they like to keep it private, but celebrities telling their stories helped raise the profile of the disease.

“The more people who are aware of it the better it will be as far as fundraising goes,” she said. 

Mrs Duffy said the visible symptoms of Parkinson’s include shaking, tremors or swaying.

“It all comes about because the body doesn’t produce enough dopamine,” she said.

“Dopamine controls the messages to move, but as much as a person wants to move they can’t.”

Other symptoms include anxiety, depression, constipation, difficulty swallowing, difficulty undoing things.

There is also stiffness and seizing of muscles and in late stages people can lose muscle control in their face causing a deadpan expression.  

Support group member Rosie Frecklington said the group is raising money for a new support nurse for the Central West.

She said in November money was raised at a lunch and there are currently calendars for sale at Blooms The Chemist.