VISITORS to a gym near Wallingford are putting pants on over their outfits to raise money for research into Parkinson's disease.

Lisa Treacher, owner of Lifestyles Gym at Howbery Park in Crowmarsh Gifford, has been fundraising for Parkinson's UK after helping sufferer Margaret George for over a year.

Ms Treacher said she has also supported Margaret's daughter Caroline to cope with her worries as a result of caring for someone with Parkinson's.

Now Ms Treacher has held a number of fundraising sessions where gym visitors wear pants over their gym kits.

She said: "Living with Parkinsons Disease is no laughing matter but you’ll often hear us saying Parkinsons is Pants.

"Caroline was trying to think of a fund raising theme for the Parkinson's UK Oxford branch where she has recently been elected a committee member and together with Lifestyles they have come up with fund raising events.

"Until the end of April Lifestyles is offering free membership in return for donations.

"This would be a perfect time to get sponsored by families and friends and set yourself a challenge.

"Members are being encouraged to wear their pants over their clothes as a bit of fun but all to raise awareness."

Parkinson's disease is a condition where part of the brain becomes progressively damaged over a number of years. Symptoms include involuntary shaking and stiff muscles.

Sponsorship forms are available at Lifestyles or you can visit facebook.com/parkinsonsispants or to donate visit justgiving.com/parkinsonsispants

For more information contact Lifestyles Gym on 01491 822633.