ALWAYS look on the bright side of life is advice highly recommended by Parkinson's disease sufferer Peggy Gell.
Those who know Peggy, who has battled the disease for over 22 years, speak of her as an "inspiring" woman.
Now the mother of two has produced a book of short stories and poetry based on her life, partly as a legacy for her children Max and Daisy, partly to raise funds for the Parkinson's UK.
On top of the disease that halted her love of singing and dancing, six years ago Peggy was diagnosed with cancer of the kidney. She simply asked her doctor, 'OK, tell me what happens next.' Nor has she brooded on the fact her alcoholic father thwarted any hopes of art school, relishing instead a talent for the written word.
"I'm never thinking of having this or that otherwise you can spend all your energy on these things, and that's not living," she says. "I consider myself lucky. I've made so many more friends, and I'm lucky to have all these people being so lovely to me."
Cash from sales of her book will go to the Parkinsons' charity, adding to the £2,000 already raised by her son-in-law Jack Windle. "He's seen how I struggle with it and decided to do a sponsored cycle from John o'Groats to Lands End."
Her devotion to her children is a source of energy. "I wanted to have children so much. They're so full of life, it helps to spur you on."
Peggy's book provides a condensed story of her life. She grew up in the heart of London, at Angel, Islington, and hoped for a career in art. "I loved all the arts, but my father spent all the money." Her mother always tried to intercept him on pay day before he went to the pub. "So I didn't get the opportunity to go to art school, but there's no point crying, you just get on with it." She painted at home and researched famous artists, and her mother took her to the theatre when she could afford it.
Peggy's creativity now shines in her writing, and an Open University course gave her the confidence to tackle a book.
*Peggy Gell's book of poetry and short stories is available from Mike Gell's jewellery shop at 3 East Street, Hereford HR1 2LW.
For information about Parkinson's disease go to Parkinson's UK website www.parkinsons.org
http://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/news/regional/14709662.__39_Inspiring__39__woman_writes_book/
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