June Warrior Spirit Award – Eddie Anderson
It has been a pleasure working with Eddie and his very supportive wife Pauline who took on the role of exercise buddy and coach! I can’t wait to see what you achieve next!
“Hi, I am Eddie Anderson. I am 78 years old and I am a retired postal officer. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015. It wasn’t the greatest news I’ve had and I was unsure of what that meant for my future. Pauline and my family were concerned about my shuffling gait, my sometimes blank expressions and my tending to become withdrawn. My balance and motor skills were deteriorating and I lost my sense of smell.
While doing rehab I was encouraged by the physio to look at PD Warrior, she thought it would be good for me to try a different approach to the exercises I had been doing. I must admit I was very apprehensive but with encouragement from my wife I decided to try the 10 week challenge. I started the ten weeks wondering how I could possible get through it. I have never done regular exercise, but I was able with Jason’s help to do my exercises every day. Gradually my balance and gait started to improve and family and friends were pleased with my walking and how far I was able to go. I have been able to go back to projects around the house and I am more comfortable with mixing with others.
I play in a Salvation Army band and I have been concerned that my playing the cornet was not as good as it used to be. After 3 weeks of PD Warrior my playing started to improve (don’t ask me how) and at the end of the challenge my bandmaster said he had noticed the improvement. One big Wow factor I have had was to be able to have a hit of tennis with my grandchildren. I haven’t played tennis for over 25 years and I was delighted with my effort and the results.
I intend to keep up the PD Warrior exercises and I am going to investigate going to a local physio and gym to remain physically fit. I will continue to play tennis and to play the guitar – which with my fingers is a real challenge.
I would like to thank Jason for his professionalism and his genuine interest in my progress. I always received encouragement form Jason and of course my wife Pauline.
Here’s looking to the future.”
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