User:Richard99~enwikiversity

I am a person with Parkinson's, diagnosed in July 2009. I took early retirement one year later, not because I had to but because I wanted to quit while I was at my peak (although some may say that I passed my peak many years ago :-) My career was spent working in market and social research, most recently as Global Research Director for Ipsos Media. I have no background in medical research although there are some parallels with social research in the area of data collection and analysis.

Over the last few years I have thrown myself into the 'Parkinson's world' and made many new friends. I am a member of Parkinson's UK Research Support Network Development Team. I am the secretary of the West Hertfordshire Branch of Parkinson's UK. This covers St Albans, Watford and Hemel Hempstead. I am also responsible for fundraising for this group. During warmer weather you may find me with a collecting tin outside a local supermarket and, when it gets colder, I am indoors writing grant applications.

I have read extensively about research into Parkinson's and attended several conferences. I would urge anyone with an interest in this area to go to lectures/presentations where you can meet researchers. Although a cure always seems to be five years away I am encouraged by the calibre and dedication of those who are trying to find it. I have no doubt that we will be the last generation to suffer from Parkinson's as we know it today. While I am not an expert, I hope to be able to make a small contribution to these pages and to be able to impart some knowledge to lay readers who are also interested in this subject.

I do have some interests outside of Parkinson's. My wife and I enjoy travel and my son and I are season ticket holders at Southampton FC - the city where I studied as a student. Following the Saints can also lead to depression or extreme mood swings.