Our 7 strong Movers and Shakers team is trying to collectively raise £5,000 for research into Parkinson's at the University of Dundee Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation unit. (MRC PPU)

Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world and the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease is 2.7%. This is equivalent to 1 in every 37 people being diagnosed at some point in their lifetime.  So, you don't have to look very far in your family, circle of friends, colleagues etc. to find someone with Parkinson's.  

So far the causes of Parkinson's are largely unknown albeit that approximately 10% of those diagnosed have a genetic mutation.  There is also scientific evidence that certain environmental conditions, for example the use of Paraquat for pest control on crops, significantly increases the risk of being diagnosed with parkinson's.  

In the last 60 years or so has been no significant breakthrough either explaining the causes of Parkinson's nor in the development of new drugs or treatments that could slow or halt the progression of the disease. 

Every Person with Parkinson's (PwP) is unique with no 2 PwP's experiencing the same rate of progression, respons to drugs, side effects etc.  What we do have in common is that Parkinson's, almost systematically in my view, dismantles and breaks down who we are.  It  unstoppably and relentlessly undermines us and increasingly disabling us and may ultimately destroy our dignity.  I'm not settling for that but if I ultimately have to, I want to be able to say or think: i'v done my utmost to try help solving the Parkinson's puzzle.

That is why 'i'm still at it".