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"Every day is different": Veronica Delaperelle

Thousands of people are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease every year. Anthony Ojolola talks to sufferers in Borehamwood to find out more about the illness ahead an information session

For Veronica Delaperelle, the west Hertfordshire branch of the Parkinson's Society is an essential aid. It allows her to meet other people with the disease, talk about her concerns and find out vital information to help her manage the condition.

But only one in three people with Parkinson's in west Hertfordshire are members of the society.

To offer a helping hand to those who are not members, an information session for sufferers and carers is taking place in Borehamwood next Friday, March 7.

The drop-in session, at Aberford Park Hall, in Aberford Road, will give people a chance to discuss issues relating to the disease, meet members of the society and receive confidential advice from a community support worker.

Alan Naylor, vice- chairman of the west Herts branch, explained why so many sufferers shy away from joining the society.

He said: "People are frightened. When they come and see people slightly worse than themselves, they fear their life suddenly coming to an end.

"The reality though, is that people pretty much get on with it and we have a fairly lively society. We want people with Parkinson's disease to know they can still live a full life.

"The society offers an opportunity to listen to leading lights in the profession, and to influence the services that health trusts put in place for their care.

"We are one of the few areas in the country that has no Parkinson's nurses, because of finances. North Hertfordshire has a nurse, and we would like to have our own nurse too."

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition affecting about 120,000 people in Britain. The three main symptoms are tremors, rigid muscles and stiff, slow movement. About 10,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson's each year, and of these, one in 20 is under the age of 40.

Mrs Delaperelle, 64, of Caishowe Road, Borehamwood, has suffered from the condition since 1993. She said: "It is extremely important for people with Parkinson's to go to the society's sessions as they will be able to meet other people and all the vital agencies that can help them.

"As Parkinson's is a confidence-destroying condition, it is really important people keep in contact with others to not lose touch with reality. Every day is different and every patient is different.

"I have problems with balance and I fall over. So if I go out, I have to have somebody with me.

"I know from experience that for people with severe mobility problems such as myself who are unable to attend meetings, there is always somebody there you can call for information on anything to do with the condition, from purchasing aids to visiting the centre. They are very helpful people."

Other benefits of society membership include receiving a quarterly newsletter, an annual book containing vital information about Parkinson's, as well as the opportunity to attend sessions once a month in Watford.

Mr Naylor, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's ten years ago, said social functions run by the society include pub lunches and day trips to venues such as Eastbourne and Bournemouth.

The open day takes place from 10am to 2.30pm. For more information about the society, or to join, call Mr Naylor on 01442 247230.

5:05pm Tuesday 26th February 2008

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