To mark Parkinson’s Awareness month, a Whaplode couple have spoken of how a local group has helped them battle with the disease.
Paul Britton (68) first noticed something was wrong 30 years ago, but he wasn’t formally diagnosed with the condition until 2017.
He worked as a shepherd for George Thompson Farms for 43 years, taking on the role from his father Fred.
Paul’s son Tim is now assistant manager for the firm, but Paul had to stop working in 2009 after being knocked down by cows as his symptoms of the degenerative condition worsened.
He tries to keep as active as possible backed by wife Jane, including keeping up with his hobbies of making things in the shed and gardening.
The pair say the Spalding and District Support Group of Parkinson’s UK has made a big difference to their lives.
“One of the side effects of Parkinson’s is anxiety,” said Paul who hasn’t been able to taste or smell anything for a number of years due to his condition. “What you see is only the tip of the iceberg.
“But I’ve never not wanted to go to the group.
“Many of the people there are similar to me. Some people think it’s just about getting tremors, but it’s really not.”
Jane is now chairman of the group and she encourages anyone interested in volunteering to attend their meetings from 10am to 12pm at Pinchbeck Village Hall on the third Thursday of every month.
The next is April 16 when, for Parkinson’s Awareness Month, the group is holding a special coffee morning where there will also bric-a-brac stalls, a mobility company and advisors from Parkinson’s UK.
The sessions usually have some form of entertainment or guest speakers. In recent months these have included a singer and the St Nicolas Players. They also host keep fit sessions designed for people with Parkinson’s.
“We find the group invaluable,” said Jane, who works part-time as a cleaner as well as being Paul’s full-time carer.
“It’s quite good to combat loneliness for those that have Parkinson’s and for their carers too. There’s a real mix of people attend, it’s quite nice.
“The Parkinson’s UK nurse attends and she’s able to provide information and help.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have something like it locally.”
