Story
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I am a retired schoolteacher, a Welshman living in Rome since 1969. My younger brother Roger was born with in 1946 with his heart "on the wrong side", before the benefits of heart transplants. Despite the severe handicap, he never complained and he lived to the age of 46, leaving a wife and two children.
I was diagnosed with Parkinson's three and a half years ago and I am receiving medical treatment. My wife and four children are all very supportive and I try to lead as normal a life as possible and never complain. My brother Roger has been an inspiration for me.
My passion for sport is still strong, but now only as a spectator. My dream is to return to the squash court. One consolation is that I have experienced no PAIN so far, but FATIGUE and continuing loss of MEMORY are major handicaps and I sometimes think of the Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde scenario.
As a history teacher and College Counsellor, I organised at least 200 Field Trips and in 1977 I was involved in organising a sponsored walk - The Bridges of the Tiber - supporting the revival of the school magazine, The Georgian. In 2001 I cycled, with my eldest son, along the Appian Way from Rome to Brindisi, raising money for a school in Zambia.
I have enjoyed writing two books, A Welshman in Rome, published in 2010, and Roaming through Rome, Walking Tours in 2011 but, unless there is a cure for Parkinson's I am unlikely to publish any more. Parkinson's research is totally dependent on donations so please help us by donating as any contribution to fundraising for Parkinson's research will be much appreciated by the medical authorities and eventually the "patients".