An interview with Tim Hamilton: I’ve come back fighting
Please tell me about your background
I’m a father and now a grandfather, I’ve had to work hard all my life. I started my own business at the age of 22 which is still going strong
My father didn’t have my passion so he didn’t believe in me. I have a very supportive wife and with my new passion for painting and drawing I’ve found a new lease of life
Since March 2025 I’ve had invasive ankle surgery, having had a 3D printed ankle joint fitted and self-published a book called Ernie the cat and the mysterious tail.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy
I found that the average person on the street didn’t know that much about Parkinsons, a tremor would be the only symptom they would recognize as Parkinsons,
So my mission is to tell all who will listen, I would normally try and make it light hearted and simple and not go into detail too much.
I struggle when people feel sorry for me, and when I hear pity in their voice I try to get people to understand that it’s not the end, positivity and reassurance is what’s needed
What is your passion
My passion is writing, painting and drawing, these are calming activities. Gardening but it’s my job, but I still get great pleasure from it
What types of goals do individuals with Parkinson have when seeing your Advocacy
I Hope that people with all sorts of neurological disabilities will be inspired with the things I do (struggle to do) Life is hard enough when your able bodied, it’s a lot harder
When you have any form of disability. I know this firsthand because as a young adult, my mother suffered a massive stroke at 43 and was wheelchair bound for most of her life. My father had cancer but still cared for her even though he knew it was terminal.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinsons
I find that just talking and listening to someone with Parkinsons helps, sharing problems, not preaching advice, giving information that’s relevant and realizing we all have a common bond
What can you see as a future for your Advocacy
To inspire people to live positively and well with Parkinson’s and spread information to the wider public about how to engage with people with Parkinson’s and dispel myths.
What events have you participated in
I’ve been to a couple of comedy nights but that’s all.
How does somebody get in touch do you have a web site
Instagram as theparkyauthor
How can others also become advocates of awareness
I have the disease so I’m passionate, I think when Parkinsons touches someone you love, Family, relative or friend, hopefully that person will ask questions and the answers may motivate them to ask more questions and find out the true meaning of Parkinsons.
What activities do you undertake to improve and support your daily living?
I eat very well, good organic food, my wife has recently changed her job partly to do with me and partly to change the way she lives are life, she has retrained as a reflexologist
And I also work as a gardener, every morning I do a series of stretches.
Why should people care who don’t have Parkinsons
(This is the best question) Everyone should care.as it’s the fastest growing neurological dieses, which can be linked to, bad diet exacerbated by poverty, environmental pollution, chemicals.
Have you got family or relatives with Parkinsons
No.
Do you have a song that represents you
I don’t know that it represents me as a person, probably the situation …..I want to break free by Queen or Mr Blue sky by elo
Is there a final quote you would like to leave the Parkinson community.
My old life will never be my life again, I have a new life, and I will live it
My own moto
Persistence
Adjust to new ways of coping
Rest of life to develop new skills
Keep going
Increase exercise
No matter how big or small the obstacle is
Small victories matter
Omg your amazing (pat yourself on the back) you deserve it
No more excuses
Say hello to a stranger because they may be having a worse day than you are.
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TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure. Sharon’s Son, George
Support https://www.togetherforsharon.com/shop/