Disability charity Parkinson’s UK increased its income by £6.4m to £30.9m last year – marking an “unprecedented” income growth and beating the charity's own targets.

A statement by Parkinson’s UK chair Paul Boothman and chief executive Steve Ford in the charity's latest annual report, said its income over the past five years had “surpassed all our expectations”.

"Our fundraising target was ambitious, but so are our staff, supporters and volunteers,” they said.

"Thanks to the passion and determination of our supporters and staff we raised more than £122million – a phenomenal amount.”

Much of the additional income for the year ending 31 December 2014 came from a £4.4m boost to legacy income – growing from £8.3m in the year ending 31 December 2013 to £12.7m last year.

The charity also received an increase in donation and membership funds of £1.6m - £1.2m of which resulted from a partnership with the financial service provider Credit Suisse UK.

The additional funds for the year meant that an extra £5.6m was available for charitable activities - £24.7m, up from £19.1m in 2013. The additional income was ploughed into friendship and support services, information and campaigning, while funding to research activities dropped from £6.5m to £4.8m.

The charity spent some £28.4m last year – up from £28.1 the previous year. A total of £6.2m was spent on generating funds – up from £5.4m the previous year – with £433,000 going towards trading and merchandise and £5.8m towards generating voluntary income.

A total of seven employees earned over £60,000 last year, with the highest paid earner taking home a salary of between £110,000 and £120,000.