SIR – I appreciated James Connell’s article on Parkinson’s disease.

Mark Davies has my deepest sympathy as a fellow sufferer. His condition is far worse than mine (we are all different), and he also lost his wife’s help. I am lucky that mine still supports me and I have a daughter who is a nurse.

My first sign of trouble came about eight years ago, when without warning I was unable to walk 200 yards without falling and then unable to get up unless someone assisted me.

The fact that I had been a lifelong sportsman (I am now 78), had no influence. The cause of Parkinson’s is a shortage of dopamine in the brain. Medication is available but this can assist but not cure.

I also do floor exercises at home daily, walk as much as possible and attend aquafit classes twice a week which can benefit anyone who wants to keep fit. My advice is never let it get you down, you can live with it and Parkinson UK are there to advise, on 0808 800 0303.

PHIL PEGLER
Worcester