April 15, 2016
A PARKINSON'S disease diagnosis isn't the end, says brave and courageous speaker
Diane Kay.
Diane Kay.
The 51-year-old has been raising awareness and promoting positive attitudes surrounding Parkinson's since her own diagnosis in 2012.
in 2012.
Miss Kay, from Pontyates, who became the face of Parkinson's UK last year, has been travelling around the country speaking with doctors, patients and health professionals over the past 12 months to improve the care and awareness of the disease.
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She even featured in an awareness film for Parkinson's UK promoting the charity's work.
She said: "It has been an extremely busy year.
"I have become a Parkinson's centre facilitator travelling around south and west Wales supporting patients and teams across the area.
"A lot of people struggle to come to terms with the diagnosis, but these groups give you the chance to meet like minded people.
"The people, like myself, who deliver the talks understand and have been there.
"People who come may never have discussed it before and they are leaving the group empowered.
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"We don't give them all the answers, but we boost their confidence.
"If I can help just one person it is worth it."
Miss Kay, who is celebrating recently getting engaged, has also been sharing her experiences and in-depth knowledge with specialist doctors, nurses and at medical conferences across the country.
She said: "It helps them look at the illness from a real perspective.
from a real perspective.
"I will talk to anyone who is willing to listen.
"If I can help spread awareness and support just one person then I have done something positive."
She was even invited to a Parliamentary reception where she got the chance to speak with MPs about Parkinson's Awareness.
She said: "It was a fantastic opportunity to speak with MPs, some of whom didn't know anything about Parkinson's.
"It was an amazing opportunity to spread the word and I will treasure that."
She was also "chuffed to bits" to be nominated for a Llanelli Star Community Award.
However she credits her success to Parkinson's Llanelli support group.
he said: "Joining the group is the best thing I have ever done.
"They are really wonderful.
"It has given me the opportunity to do so many things.
"I have been very lucky to be given the opportunities I have.
"I would never have done any of this if it wasn't for the Llanelli group.
"I just want people to know that having Parkinson's isn't the end.
"Some people really struggle and I myself have bad days.
"But if I don't try I feel I'm giving up.
"I think the disease has to live with me, not me with it."
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