An amateur golfer from Northern Ireland who was diagnosed with Parkinson's aged just 30 has told how taking to the course has helped him with his condition.
Having first noticed symptoms when he was 24, Ronan Coyle admits he struggled to get a diagnosis.
"I visited two neurologists in my mid to late 20s and both of them said there was nothing wrong with me, just a bit of a tremor.
"So when the third neurologist I saw said I had Parkinson’s, while it wasn’t the news I wanted to hear, it was something of a relief to know what was wrong with me," he said.
The civil servant said he was initially afraid of the diagnosis but now has come to live with it and realise he can do all the things he loves.
"Like many people, initially I didn’t know much about the condition and I didn’t want to either. I didn’t want to google it, talk about it or do any research in case I found out something horrible.
"However, once I understood there was a lot more to it than shaking, and specifically that exercising regularly helps with the condition, my attitude changed. That is why it is vital people living with the condition get information and support from Parkinson’s UK."
Having played golf since he was a toddler, the Co Derry native said he wasn't about to give it up without a fight.
Far from putting him off the game, the 37-year-old has found that it in fact helps him overcome his symptoms – and now he is using the game as a fundraiser with the first "Par for Parkinson's".
"I've been playing golf almost since I was a toddler and that was always my first love. I have been a single-figure handicapper but am finding it harder to maintain since I got married.
"I felt I wanted to give something back to Parkinson's UK, and the obvious way to do so was through golf. I am lucky enough to have a large circle of friends also involved in sport, and they have been invaluable in helping me as I have set up this event to bring something new to fundraising for Parkinson's in the North West. Local business has also been very helpful – we have 20 sponsors from the border counties."
Ronan continued: "It is great to get so many people and organisations on board not just to raise funds, but also so that more and more people become aware of how hard it is to live with the condition.
"However, I also want people to know it is not all gloom and doom. You learn to appreciate the simple things and you find ways to adapt.
"I joined a gym and am there three or four times a week; I play squash several times a month; I even go to yoga and try to swim even though I'm a terrible swimmer!
"I have even tried tai chi and play a bit of football. My wife also made the mistake of buying me a bike for my birthday a few months ago and now I am out on it all the time too!"
The Par for Parkinson's event will be held at the City of Derry Golf Club on Sunday, September 15.
To find out more or to donate you can do so via Ronan's Just Giving page.
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