Flying high with Parkinson's - Peter's story
Having lived with Parkinson’s for 15 years, Peter was used to making sure Parkinson’s didn’t spoil opportunities for him. But a chance conversation with a new neighbour almost meant he missed out on a new adventure.
Here he shares how he’s learned to adapt and understand his limits, and why he is now more determined than ever not to let the condition take over.
“I got chatting to my new neighbour and he was part of the local mobile aircraft flying club,” Peter remembers. “I told him I would love to have tried flying, but not now I have Parkinson’s.” It was unlike Peter to give up that easily though. So intrigued by the prospect of flying, he decided to take up an invitation to come along for a session.
“I gave it a go, but I was all over the place,” admits Peter. The remote controls used to fly the planes are very sensitive and Peter’s dexterity meant he struggled. But he was not ready to be beaten.
“I wondered how I could sort the problem and thought elastic bands could help. My lad had a drone, so I borrowed that and started adding elastic bands to the sticks. This increased the tension and gave me more control.”
Flying high
Peter began flying more regularly and was eventually in a position to try for his Fix Wing A Certificate from the British Model Flying Association. Unfortunately the stress of the day affected Peter’s Parkinson’s symptoms and he failed. During the debrief afterwards, Peter became upset as he told the examiner about his Parkinson’s, but he was encouraged to keep going.
Peter kept adding elastic bands to the sticks so his control improved and several months later, he was ready to try again. “I was determined to pass and kept saying to myself, ‘I’ll do it, I’ll do it.’” And he did - his instructor admitting the difference this time round was like night and day.
“Flying makes me really happy and has got me out of the house. I’m not just sitting in a chair at home,” says Peter. “If I’m not flying, I’m in my garage fixing planes or building new ones.”
Peter’s dexterity can affect this work, but he recognises when he needs a break. He explains: “Once I start something, I really like to finish it. But I know myself. I can feel myself getting tired, or shaky especially near tablet-taking time. There’s no rush then. I know when it’s time to stop.”
Motorbike meets
Learning when it’s time to stop whilst not giving into Parkinson’s is a thread that runs through Peter’s story.
After Peter was diagnosed, he continued to ride his motorbike. But over time, the rigidity symptoms Peter experiences began to worry him.
“I remember coming up to a junction and my neck felt very stiff. I couldn’t turn my head properly enough to see the traffic, especially with my helmet on. I realised I was pushing my luck.
“I used to go to a motorbike meet on a Wednesday. Then one week I just knew it was my last time. I wished I could have carried on, but it wasn’t safe.”
Whilst it was his last time attending on a motorbike, Peter is still able to enjoy the meets using a different mode of transport, as he explains: “Now I still go to the meet, but I drive over and I can walk around looking at the bikes instead.”
I’ve had Parkinson’s for 17 years now and of course there have been challenges, but it doesn't frighten me anymore.
Pushing through
Peter has come a long way since he was first told he had the condition as he remembers: “When I diagnosed I thought, ‘Oh I’ve had it.’ But once I started reading about the condition and I started on my medication, my symptoms didn’t seem so bad.
“I’ve had Parkinson’s for 17 years now and of course there have been challenges, but it doesn't frighten me anymore,” Peter admits. “Some days I wonder if I even have Parkinson’s, other days I have to write off and hope the next day is better.
“But even on those bad days, I force myself to keep going. Even if I just walk the dog to the corner of the street and back, I’ve done something.
“Parkinson’s is not doom and gloom, it’s what you let it be.”