An interview with Chris Hamper: The Parkinson’s Project on October 9, 2024.
Please tell me a little about your background.
I am a physics teacher and writer. I have written two books which are now into their 3rd edition. Higher level Physics for the IB diploma and standard level physics for the IB diploma. I have also written 7 articles on climbing with Parkinson’s for the website UKclimbing.com
- ARTICLE: Three-Finger Drag Queen 10 Sep, 2021
- ARTICLE: One Hand Clapping 26 Sep, 2018
- ARTICLE: Rock Bottom 20 Dec, 2017
- ARTICLE: Spotting the Nutter in Fontainebleau 22 Feb, 2017
- ARTICLE: Losing the Thread 15 Nov, 2016
- ARTICLE: Shaking Out: Climbing with Parkinson’s 8 Oct, 2015
- ARTICLE: Last Blast 25 May, 2023
I used to be a quite famous rock climber
I have a website for physics teacher which has over 1000 subscribing schools. When I got Parkinson’s, I could no longer perform at the front of the class so made resources on my website so the students could work independently.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
I advocate staying active and pursuing one passion even if it has to be at a lower level. I still try hard even though I don’t climb so hard. I also advocate the positive use of the obsessional behavior side effect of the medication. I made my website by getting up at 4 in the morning every day for 2 years. I also rebuilt a British sports car and a motor bike. I now make model boats.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
Rock climbing. I got myself involved by writing articles and a film “The Parkinson’s project”.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
Not to give up
What type of training and how long are the programs?
I don’t understand the question.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Hopefully they will be motivated to carry on doing the things they love to do.
What events do you participate in?
Since the completion of the film, I have been doing personal appearances at screenings.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
My wife is in the film and helps with the paperwork that the film generate. I think it’s good that we work together on this project.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Via Facebook and Instagram
#parkinsonsprojectfilm
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
To get seen
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Most of what I say applies to getting old not just getting old with Parkinson’s
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
No
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
“I can still try hard even though I don’t climb so hard.”