I was diagnosed with Parkinson's three and a half years ago when I was 59 - a younger sufferer.  I was devastated as the condition is both progressive and aggressive.  I joined my local support group and immediately saw 4 people in wheel chairs - then I realised the rest of the group were not in wheelchairs.  Seeing the positive things in my day and life is what keeps me going.  Luckily I am inherently positive. 

So life-changing eh? - you bet!  Read Michael J Fox's story to see how he manages to deal with it.  I decided to address my life as not worrying about how the condition will progress, but by enjoying the life within me. After a couple of years, my work was being affected and I retired.

Blessed with a supportive husband and two daughters with their young families, I have been encouraged.  My PD support group is also an inspiration as we have opportunites to try new things to keep us active, positive and to enjoy a social life.  I started on my quest to do things in the manner of the 'Bucket List', creating my 'dreams and challengesl' and making them come true.

And the Skydive is one of them.  This from one who gets queasy climbing a church tower!!  But I'm going to do this.  WHY?

I have been involved with a current research programme with Oxford University funded by Parkinson's UK - you can see photos of the research leaders in the Gallery at the foot of the page.  I am meeting keen practitioners with dedication and determination to 'crack' the causes of Parkinson's and to find a cure.  I am playing a small part in getting there and my hopes are that sometime in the future someone will hear, as I did, the words "you have Parkinson's Disease".....and not suffer the devastation or fear I experienced, as they could be cured.

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