BBC1's Doctors highlights young onset Parkinson's
8 September 2010
The popular BBC1 drama series Doctors has
screened a 2-part episode this week that tackles the issue of
young onset Parkinson’s.
The 2 episodes were shown yesterday and today, 7 and 8
September.
Doctors actress keen to raise awareness
I hope that viewers will have a greater understanding that Parkinson's doesn't only affect older people.
Selina Chilton, Doctors actress
Actress Selina Chilton, who plays surgery receptionist Ruth
Pearce in the series, suggested a Parkinson's storyline to the
producer.
Her father Mike, who has had Parkinson's for several years, came
up with the idea.
Selina comments:
"I wanted to help spread awareness of what life is like with
Parkinson's.
"When Dad suggested a Parkinson's storyline for Doctors, I
pitched the idea to my producer. He was very positive."
Selina was
able to help the young actor who plays the person with Parkinson's
to prepare for the role.
"Parkinson's is such a diverse condition and not everybody will
have the same symptoms as my dad.
"But I hope that by highlighting the condition viewers will have
a greater understanding that it doesn’t only affect older
people."
Image: Doctors actress Selina Chilton with her dad Mike, who
has Parkinson's
We featured a story about Selina and her dad Mike in the Summer
2010 edition of our membership magazine The
Parkinson.
Watch the Doctors episodes online
Both episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer for 7 days
after broadcast:
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