"Community therapy has made me stronger and more confident"

I have Parkinson’s diagnosed in 2012 with symptoms for a few years before diagnosis. Was having falls which I found very difficult to get up from.

I asked the Parkinson’s nurse Tracy if there was anyone who could help me with strategies to enable me to get up from the falls more easily. Tracy contacted the Therapy Department and after an initial hiccup in communication an appointment with the physiotherapist Hannah was made.

Hannah visited me in my home. Previously I had been reluctant to engage in the group exercise sessions which had been suggested by Tracy. I have had a number of sessions with Hannah which have been excellent. I now look forward her visits.

Hannah is encouraging, challenging and a great motivator. She builds on each session and I do the exercises daily. I feel more confident and stronger, some days are better than others but I feel more positive about exercising.

Another positive outcome is that I do not rely so much on my wife to help me. The problems with Parkinson’s are still there but the exercise is helping.

Thank you to the team and especially Hannah who continues to support and help me.