General Chat

Norwich man’s battle with Parkinson’s disease
by KATE SCOTTER
Thursday, 7 October, 2010
16:00 PM

As a hospital nurse, Garth Ravenhill has cared for many elderly people with Parkinson’s disease but never realised how the condition can affect someone so young – until he was diagnosed with the disease.


The 39-year-old was diagnosed with the progressive neurological condition two years ago.

His initial symptom was a limp and it took a long time before medics realised what was wrong. Most people who get Parkinson’s are aged 50 or over but one in 20 is under the age of 40.

At the moment, he is still able to work as a nurse full time and go to the gym but as it is a degenerative disease, his future is unclear and it is unknown how severe the condition will get.

He is on medication but currently there is no cure.

Today, Mr Ravenhill, who lives in Thorpe, urged people to sign up to the Parkinson’s pledge – a global movement to help make Parkinson’s a health, social and economic priority around the world and to work together to find a cure.

It is hoped one million people worldwide will sign up to the pledge.

Mr Ravenhill, who works with stroke patients at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said: “When I was diagnosed, I was gobsmacked, it was an absolute shock.

“As a nurse, I hadn’t come across anyone young that had it, it’s often considered to be an elderly illness. It was a shock for both me and my wife, we’re not sure what the future holds and how it will unravel.”

Mr Ravenhill recently attended the World Parkinson Congress 2010, held in Glasgow, where the Parkinson’s pledge was launched.

A number of celebrities have given their support to the campaign, including actress Jane Asher, former footballer Gary Lineker and comedian Matt Lucas.

Mr Ravenhill, whose wife Kim is also a nurse, added: “The more people who sign the Parkinson’s pledge online, the more people are aware of the condition for those who are young or old with Parkinson’s.

“I have the disease and will do my best to get on with it and fight for my future - some are not able to do this, but our awareness of the disease may make their plight easier.”

Last week, the annual Moveable Feast was held in Norwich. The event, founded by restaurateur Lloyd Addison, who died after battling Parkinson’s disease for 20 years, raised around £5,000 for Parkinson’s UK.

To sign up to the pledge, go to www.parkinsons.org.uk.

(Just edited the spelling of pledge in the title but might not show up)

Nudge. I knew of a young hairdresser who had this years ago, and was able to work for many years, but not until retirement age. Dont know what happened to him after that as he faded from the scene, but it is a devastating disease.

Thanks for that. My OH has Parkinson's.

Will anyone see this and keep it nudged?

Parkinsons is a horrid illness, my aunt had it.

Lizx

with pleasure Liz.

Caz

signed, as some of you know my mum had it. It's a cruel disease, most people recognise the physical symptoms but don't know the mental/emotional effects unless they are close to it.

please sign if you can.

Another nudge.

This link takes you straight to the pledge.

http://www.parkinsonspledge.org/


Cx

thanks folks, sorry I didn't show a direct link.

Rose, it must have been hard for you to see your poor Mum struggle.
xx

I lost my rock ,my friend my everloving mam on tuesday, she got the disease late in life, but it robbed her of her dignity in the last four years of her life, it robbed me of her bright twinkling eyes and her warm happy face.

God Bless you Mam xxx

My sincere condolences to you Anita,

xx

I think we all know someone who is struggling with this dreadfully cruel disease.
Like all illnesses it cares not who it attacks.
I am off to sign it now Liz.
And condolences to all on here with a loved one who is suffering or has suffered.
Deanna XX

hi Deanna, thanks for signing up and thanks for email reminding me to do it lol

Will try and call you this week if I get a chance, thank heavens there is only another week of o.h.'s holiday and he is at work on Thursday and Saturday,he didn't have to go in last Saturday after all! :<((

Lizx

Deepest sympathies to Anita and anyone else who has a relative / friend with this awful illness.
My late father in law had it and it was heartbreaking to see.
Will sign up

Cath x

Just signed.
Hilary x

Can we keep this nudged please folks?
x

n

Hi Liz...
i will sign.....it is such a scary disease......

Thanks folks, keep signing and nudging.

xx

n

Thanks Sandie
x