Michael Cullen is a former consultant in sports medicine who worked with the Northern Ireland football team from 1996 to 2002
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| Michael Cullen |
A Belfast doctor with Parkinson's is set to take on an epic challenge in a bid to help others.
Michael Cullen, who lives in the Belmont area of the city, was diagnosed with the condition just 15 months ago. Now the 60-year-old is preparing to take on the Causeway Challenge to raise funds for support for people living with Parkinson’s.
I’m a retired doctor and first noticed my symptoms around two years ago, but I didn’t want to admit to myself that it could be Parkinson’s," he said.
"It began as a tremor in my right hand and then my movements changed. They weren’t as fluid and my right arm stopped swinging when I was walking and I had difficulty brushing my teeth.
"In the end, I was playing golf with some medical friends who noticed my symptoms, pulled me aside and said I needed to get some help. I saw a consultant neurologist who confirmed I had Parkinson’s.
"Naturally I was pretty devastated but early on I realised that a positive attitude was essential if I was to give myself the best chance of coping with the disease.
"My family have been an amazing support. It’s a condition that affects the whole family, and it is vital that you discuss issues openly – it’s not something you can deal with alone."
Michael was already aware of Parkinson UK’s research programme, and when first diagnosed found the charity’s online information about living with Parkinson’s helpful.
He feels that the support the charity offers to friends and family of those affected is just as vital as the research it supports.
It was his GP daughter Emma who saw details about the charity’s Causeway Coastal Challenge fundraiser online, and suggested they enter it as a family.
His wife Mary and their three children Emma, Sarah and Tony will all be taking part as Team Cullen. The family has already raised almost £3,000 in sponsorship for Parkinson’s UK’s pioneering research to find a cure, and to support its vital information and support services.
Michael added: "People’s generosity has been amazing - everybody has rallied around and been very, very supportive, the amount pledged has exceeded our expectations.
"Parkinson’s UK is now looking for other people to take part in this event, and ‘Team Cullen’ would love to see you there."
Michael, a former consultant in sports medicine who worked with the Northern Ireland football team from 1996 to 2002, stays physically active.
He and his wife are keen golfers and are training for the event by walking regularly, including a weekly 10-mile hike.
Research shows that exercise can slow the progression of Parkinson’s and Michael is convinced that this is as important as medication in managing his condition.
The family will head to the North Coast in September determined to complete a 13-mile route across the stunning cliff tops, footpaths and beaches of the course to raise money for the charity.
Parkinson’s affects 185,000 people in the UK and there are around 3,700 people in Northern Ireland living with the condition. Parkinson’s UK is the leading charity for the condition driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected through cutting edge research, information, support and campaigning.
To find out more and sign up to Parkinson’s UK Causeway Coast Challenge visit: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/events/causeway-coast-challenge
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/health/parkinsons-diagnosis-prompts-causeway-challenge-16710601
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