Harold (my dad)  lived with Parkinson's for over 17 years but never gave up! When he was seventy five, he built a Caterham 7 kit-car and drove it around Jersey and from London to Scotland (twice!).

He was always a sportsman: judo, canoeing, running, anything that would be a challenge that he could test himself against. A keen cyclist from childhood, he continued to cycle weekly with the CTC, until he had one accident too many and moved up to Scotland to be closer to me and my husband, four and a half years ago.

The last few years became more difficult as he gradually became less mobile. Undeterred, he would walk up the high street with his 'wheelie' for support. Or when this became too much, just up the road, supported by his wife and his cat 'Georgie' leading the way - much to the amusement of the neighbours!

Dad was an energetic, generous, joyful man with a wicked and off- beat sense of humour- reminiscent of Spike Milligan... even in the last year when he was getting frailer in health, he would catch you unaware with an impish comment. His face was hard to read but you could always see his love and naughtiness in the twinkle of his eyes.

Dad has left a beautiful wife, Veena, who cared for him at home until the last few months and continued to visit him every day in the nursing home. To the very end, he wanted to be 'awake', and 'alive'.

The Parkinson's finally took its toll and left him fragile and virtually immobile. But with the help of his medication and the wonderful care of his wife and the NHS,  he carried on fighting the disease - taking every gasp of life that he could.

Please donate what you can to support Parkinson's UK to help others fight and live the best life that they can!

Thank you

Shivali