Christine Bainbridge talks to Kirstin Golding, Tissue Bank Manager, about why she decided to register with the Tissue Bank.

Christine doesn’t have Parkinson’s herself, but realised how important it was for her, as a person without the condition, to sign up to the donation scheme as well as her husband Martyn who developed Parkinson’s in his 30s.

“My husband and I both signed up from the beginning, as soon as we heard about the Tissue Bank,” she said. “I am the one who sorted everything out but my husband signed the form.” “I think registering with the Tissue Bank is very important for future generations.” Christine also mentioned that Martyn’s grandmother had had Parkinson’s, and while with most cases of Parkinson’s there isn’t a genetic link, she feels it is very important to find out more.

The whole family are behind the idea of donating tissue: “My son and my husband’s stepson are also registered with the Tissue Bank,” she said. Christine has also mentioned to friends and other family members that they should think about donating in the future.

I asked Christine why she thought people should register with the Tissue Bank and she said: “I just think it is a great idea – one brain can go a long way.” Tissue from just one brain can be used for dozens of different research projects right across the world.