y D a d has

M
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1
 Id like to tell you a story. A true story.
Id likeItstoabout mea and
tell you story.
something called Parkinsons. A true story. Its about me and
something called Parkinsons.
Have you ever wondered what
Parkinsons is?
Ill try to explain it to you.

Written by Virginia Ironside with help

from families affected by Parkinsons.
Illustrated by Matthew Dodd.

And have you ever wondered what Parkinsons is?

Ill try to explain it to you.

2 3
Parkinsons is something that affects my brain
and it means I have problems controlling and
moving my body.
But it doesnt affect me every day. Some days
I can do things and some days I cant. And
I never know how Ill feel from day to day.
It affects everyone who has it differently.
The doctors can tell me what might
happen, but they cant be sure.

4 5
 Now youre probably wondering
where I got Parkinsons from. Did
I catch it, like a cold? No, I didnt.
And you cant catch it either.

The problem is no one knows

exactly where it comes from.

6 7
 Most people live with
Parkinsons for a very long
time. Even though it can
get worse, it gets worse
very slowly.
And in case youre worried,
its very unlikely youll get
it when youre older.
The doctors can give me
pills to help make life
easier, but they cant make
it go away yet.

Pills
8 9
Scientists are working hard
to find out how to make it go
away or stop people getting it.
But until they find a way to
make it go away, Parkinsons
means I may not be able to do
all the things I want to, when
I want to.
Sometimes my hand may shake
a little. It doesnt stop me
shopping or seeing my friends.
Cafe

G R EE N LA N E

10 11
 But I may not be able to
tie my shoelaces that day.
Its really annoying!

12 13
 You might notice I dont smile and
laugh as much as I used to.
But if I dont, its not because
I dont feel smiley inside.
traveline
timestables
Local Park
Parkinsons can make the muscles
Number 4 Bus
traveltime in my face go stiff, so I cant always
move my face the way I want.

14 15
Can you imagine what it would feel like
if you wanted to smile but couldnt?
Can you keep a straight face even when I tickle you?
Youre giggling because the muscles in your face are
working very well, so you can laugh when you want.
But mine dont work quite as well as yours.

16 17
 And its not just the muscles in my face that
are stiff. Parkinsons makes all the muscles
in my body stiff.
This means that I sometimes cant move
around as well as I used to.
Some days I cant rush about or do the
cooking or the washing up like I used to
I worry Ill drop a plate!

18 19
 Of course it makes me a bit upset and
cross to find I cant do things I want to do.
Especially when it means I cant play with
you as much as I used to.

20 21
 You might have noticed that sometimes I just stop
walking for no reason. I want to go on walking, but
my muscles dont want to move they freeze up.
Its rather like when you press pause on the
DVD and it stops until you press start again.
But you cant press start on me. If you
leave me for a bit, Ill soon get going again.

PAUSE

22 23
 And its annoying
Sometimes I might
when I cant eat
even fall over.
my tea properly.
But having
Parkinsons
means it takes
me longer to lift
my spoon and
swallow than it
used to.

Just like you did

when you were
learning to walk.

24 25
 In a few years it may mean I cant speak as well
as I do now. My voice may get quieter so it
sounds as if Im whispering.
Can you hear what Im saying if Im whispering?

26 27
 12

9 3 And my writing and drawing might

get really small and messy, like yours
6
when youre in a hurry.
But Ill still be able to give you cuddles!

28 29
 y o u r D a d h e re
a nd
p ict u re of y o u
D ra w a

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If you have any comments or suggestions about this book, wed love to hear How to order our resources
from you. Visit parkinsons.org.uk/childrensfeedback or call 020 7963 9342. 0845 121 2354
resources@parkinsons.org.uk
Thank you to everyone who contributed to or reviewed this book:
Download them from our website at parkinsons.org.uk/publications
Michelle Hampson, Educational Psychologist
Can you help?
Katie Byard, Clinical Psychologist At Parkinsons UK, we are totally dependent on donations from individuals and
organisations to fund the work that we do. There are many ways that you can
Julie Keogh, Information and Support Manager, Parkinsons UK help us to support people with Parkinsons. If you would like to get involved,
please contact our Supporter Services team on 020 7932 1303 or visit our
Thanks also to our information review group and other people affected website at parkinsons.org.uk/support.
by Parkinsons who provided feedback. Thank you.

We make every effort to make sure that our services provide up-to-date,
unbiased and accurate information. We hope that this will add to any
professional advice you receive and will help you to make any decisions you
may face. Please do continue to talk to your health and social care team if you
are worried about any aspect of living with Parkinsons.

References for this booklet can be found in the Microsoft Word version
at parkinsons.org.uk/publications

Last updated October 2013. Next update available October 2016.

Every hour, someone in the UK is told they have Parkinsons. Parkinsons UK
Because were here, no one has to face Parkinsons alone. Free* confidential helpline 0808 800 0303
Monday to Friday 9am8pm, Saturday
We bring people with Parkinsons, their carers and families together via our 10am2pm. Interpreting available.
network of local groups, our website and free confidential helpline. Specialist Text Relay 18001 0808 800 0303
nurses, our supporters and staff provide information and training on every aspect (for textphone users only)
of Parkinsons. hello@parkinsons.org.uk
parkinsons.org.uk
As the UKs Parkinsons support and research charity were leading the work to find *calls are free from UK landlines and most mobile networks.
a cure, and were closer than ever. We also campaign to change attitudes and
demand better services.
Help us to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinsons.
Dad wants to tell his son a story. A true one. He has something
called Parkinsons and wants to make sure his son knows what
that means and show him that hes still the same old Dad!

Using everyday settings and places, this book aims to help explain to children
aged three to seven what Parkinsons is and how it can affect people with
the condition.

B089
Parkinsons UK, October 2013. Parkinsons UK is the operating name of the Parkinsons Disease Society of the
United Kingdom. A charity registered in England and Wales (258197) and in Scotland (SC037554).