Rugby star Nick Easter: My superfit father hit by Parkinson's
FORMER England rugby star Nick Easter is campaigning to raise awareness and support for people with Parkinson’s disease.
His father John, a former professional squash player, was diagnosed with the illness six years ago.
“It has been very tough for him to come to terms with and for us to deal with as a family,” said the 34-year-old Harlequins No8, who twice captained his country.
“It is sadly a common illness but there is a lack of awareness and understanding which it would be great to change, along with pushing forward medical research.”
Parkinson’s Awareness Week, which starts tomorrow, seeks to highlight the desolation felt by people with the degenerative brain condition that leads to tremors and other health problems.
It affects 127,000 people in the UK and one in 20 are under 40. Research to be published this week will show that 37 per cent of patients feel isolated when out in public and 25 per cent say they are treated differently by family and friends because they don’t understand the condition. Nick, his brother Mark and sister Gemma were brought up in a sporting environment. Their superfit father is a former British champion.
“My dad was 61 when he was diagnosed,” said Nick. “It was a shock but there were a few telltale signs such as struggling to write and remember things. He had always been healthy and fit, very sporty, and always looked after himself.
“It was a huge psychological challenge coming to terms with the disease. He did struggle and started becoming obsessed rather than getting on with everyday life.
“He now struggles to dress himself and he can no longer do the simple tasks of putting on a belt or tying his shoelaces. He used to play a lot of golf but can only manage nine holes now.
“We are a close family and it is particularly tough on my mother Glynis. She spends a lot of her time dealing with him and getting him ready to go out, whether it is going for a simple walk or coming to watch me play rugby.
He now struggles to do simple tasks
“My father’s biggest issue has been his memory and his train of thought. He struggles to remember what he is going to say and it’s easy to lose confidence.”
Support from friends and neighbours near the family home in London has helped and given his mother breaks.
“Parkinson’s is a tough illness and the whole family is touched by it,” said Nick. “It is more common than people think and often the symptoms aren’t obvious.
“I’d like to see more awareness and support. The organisations and groups involved such as Parkinson’s UK do a tremendous job and it would be great if we could raise funds for further research.”
No comments:
Post a Comment