Kerry Hartman lives in Shrivenham near Swindon and attended the first ever Fighting Fit programme in November 2018. In this short article she talks about her Parkinson’s diagnosis, how it motivated her to form a local support group and resulted in the surprising outcome of becoming a poet!
Kerry says:
I have always kept generally fit and healthy, completing a power-walking marathon, two half marathons and several ‘race for life’ walks raising funds for Cancer charities. I am a keen cyclist and had no major health issues except some back pain occasionally. In 2013 I felt as if my righthand side was slipping down and my right hand starting clawing when I walked, I was concerned it may be a stroke! It started to affect my writing, speech and it was uncomfortable to sit for long periods which affected my work as a School Office Manager.
After seeing a specialist for rheumatism over 3 years and having brain and body scans with no satisfactory result I was eventually sent to a Neurologist. Following a DAT scan, which looks at dopamine levels specifically, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in April 2017, aged 56. This dispelled the myth that it is only an ‘old person’s’ disease! I knew little of this condition except for seeing Michael J Fox, Billy Connolly and Muhammed Ali, who have helped raise the profile to some extent, and the image of shaking and immobility. I soon learnt that there are so many versions of Parkinson’s, effecting people of all ages and in different ways but the common advice is take the meds and keep moving! I am very fortunate to have an amazingly supportive family and an incredible circle of friends who help keep me motivated and mobile.
“I created Parkies Pals to unite people with and without this frustrating and debilitating condition, in support and friendship. We raise awareness through cafe meet-ups, fundraising and sponsored events. Money raised go to Parkinson’s UK and the local Swindon Parkinson’s branch, both of whom are very supportive of our activities. I want to spread the word beyond my lovely village of Shrivenham and see support groups like ours created in areas across the UK”.
“It’s strange, but Parkinson’s seems to have unlocked some poetic part of my brain. My family and friends encouraged me to produce a booklet of my poems to help raise funds”.
Here is a taster from a collection of Kerry’s poems:
Crazy Little Thing called LIFE!
For me poetry is an emotion
It wells up right from my heart.
For me poetry is part of life’s journey
That Parkinson’s inspired me to start
It may not be everyone’s way of expression.
Some people paint, draw or sing.
But if you’d like a copy of my crazy LIFE!
Just send me an email or ring!
If you would like a copy then please contact Kerry at Parkiespals@outlook.com Any donations will go to the Swindon & District branch of Parkinson’s UK to help fund resources and activities to support the local community. If you’d like to know more check out the website at www.ParkiesPals.co.uk