A former teacher from west Belfast who travelled the world for UNICEF has told of how he has spent the past decade raising awareness of Parkinson’s following his own “life-changing” diagnosis.
Speaking about the impact the neurological condition has had on his everyday life, Willie McCarney from the Andersonstown area had to give up his job and hobbies he enjoyed, which included hill walking and bird watching.
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world with around 4,200 people in Northern Ireland living with the condition.
Statistics show that every hour, two more people in the UK are diagnosed, meaning 1 in 37 people alive today will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s in their lifetime.
Mr McCarney (86) said that following his diagnosis he vowed to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK in a bid to give something back, an accomplishment he says he has only been able to achieve with the help of his sister Una.
The pair have spent the last 10 years raising funds for the charity, taking part in their annual ‘Walk for Parkinson’s’ events, alongside many other fundraising endeavours, with Una abseiling down the Europa and ziplining across the Lagan.
“I said I would devote my time after diagnosis to fundraising for Parkinson’s, if Una would walk with me,” said Willie.
“We have walked all the local walks since. This is quite a commitment for Una as she works full-time as well as being my primary carer.
“As my Parkinson’s has progressed, so, too, has her commitment.
“I don’t know how Una keeps going. She is really doing two full-time jobs. She never has any free time to herself, but she never complains.
“She only gets cross when I say I am a nuisance. I call her my guardian angel.”
Mr McCarney is still a big advocate for movement and exercise.
“There’s no question that a diagnosis of Parkinson’s is life-changing and life-altering,” he said.
“But it’s not the end of the road.
“Many people live for years with the condition and lead a full and active life.
“But once the symptoms are apparent and Parkinson’s has been diagnosed, we, the patients, have a very active role to play - ‘active’ being the appropriate word.
“It’s understood that the more physically active we are, the easier it is to live well with Parkinson’s.
“Physical activity can have a positive impact on our symptoms, both physically and mentally. It can be as important as our medication in helping us take control and manage our symptoms.
“Some experts believe that the neuroplasticity created from exercise in patients with Parkinson’s may actually outweigh the effects of neurodegeneration.”
And that’s why he keeps walking.
He will be taking part in this year’s ‘Walk for Parkinson’s’ on October 20 at Titanic Quarter, with either a 1.6 mile or 5.5 mile route available.
A spokeswoman for Parkinson’s UK said while there is no cure for the condition, “if we walk together, we can make a difference to the lives of people with Parkinson’s”.
For information on the ‘Walk for Parkinson’s’ please visit parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/walk-parkinsons with registration closing on October 13.
