Staying Active, Staying Positive: My Journey with Parkinson’s
- aimee197
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
My name is Hamish Turnbull, and while Parkinson’s became part of my life in 2016, it certainly hasn't defined it.
I was born and raised in Hawick in the Scottish Borders
and spent more than 40 years working in Scotland's textile industry. Alongside my career, sport has always played a huge role in my life. Rugby, golf and cycling have been lifelong passions, and in more recent years I've discovered the benefits of walking rugby. Looking back, staying active has always been important to me, but since my Parkinson’s diagnosis, it has become absolutely essential.
Like many people, receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis, brought uncertainty.
You naturally wonder what the future will look like and how the condition might affect your independence and quality of life. Very early on, however, I made a decision that I would focus on what I could do rather than what I couldn't. For me, exercise and physical activity became the foundation for managing my symptoms and maintaining both my physical and mental wellbeing.
Cycling has been one of my greatest passions.
Over the years, I've taken part in several endurance charity rides, including Land's End to John O'Groats, London to Paris and London to Bruges. These challenges have pushed me physically and mentally, but they've also given me a tremendous sense of achievement and purpose. They have shown me that Parkinson’s doesn't have to stop you setting ambitious goals.
A turning point in my journey came when former Scotland rugby captain Gavin Hastings introduced me to Sport Parkinson’s. I immediately recognised the value of what the charity was trying to achieve and became heavily involved in its work.
Today, I'm proud to serve as a director.
Through Sport Parkinson’s, I've had the privilege of helping raise awareness and funds through a variety of activities, including golf days, cycling challenges, walking football and walking rugby events. I've also been involved in community fundraising initiatives that have brought people together while supporting a fantastic cause.
One project I'm particularly proud of is helping to establish walking rugby at Old Reigatian RFC. Walking rugby offers people living with Parkinson’s a chance to stay active, enjoy the social side of sport and build friendships with others who understand the challenges they face. The physical benefits are significant, but the social connections can be just as important.
I've learned over the years
...that managing Parkinson’s isn't only about exercise. It's also about challenging yourself, staying engaged and continuing to learn new things.
One of the most unexpected challenges I've taken on came after a request from our late golf club captain. Despite being dyslexic, I was asked to learn Robert Burns' famous Address to a Haggis. At first, the thought was daunting. The poem is lengthy, and memorising it felt well outside my comfort zone.
What began as a tribute has now become an annual tradition. Every year, I recite the eight-verse address at Burns Night dinners and functions. Even now, I still get nervous beforehand, but I've discovered that the process of learning and performing it brings enormous benefits. Not only has it improved my confidence and resilience, but it has also helped maintain my memory, speech and vocal projection. Parkinson’s can affect communication, so regularly practising diction, clarity and expression has become another valuable way of managing my condition. It's a reminder that personal challenges can be just as beneficial as physical ones.
If there's one message I'd like to share with anyone living with Parkinson’s, it's this: keep moving, keep connecting and keep challenging yourself.
Physical activity, peer support and a positive mindset have played a huge role in helping me live well with Parkinson’s. Through Sport Parkinson’s, I continue to meet inspiring people who demonstrate every day that a diagnosis does not mean giving up on the things that matter.
Parkinson’s presents challenges, but it doesn't take away our ability to learn, contribute, participate and enjoy life. Whether that's through sport, volunteering, fundraising or simply trying something new, there are countless opportunities to stay active, connected and optimistic.
For me, that journey continues every day.
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