What would a Parkinson's cure mean to you? - Louisa's story

Louisa Parr has Parkinson's and tells us what a cure for would mean to her and her family.

The best present ever

"Finding a cure for Parkinson's would be the best present ever. Christmas, birthday, Easter, Hanukkah and Diwali - all rolled into one.

"Funding is crucial because we need to find a cure and we also need to know whether or not Parkinson's is genetic.

"I have 4 beautiful sons aged between 23 and 13 and the thought that I might pass Parkinson's down to them worries me every day.

"If there was a cure, it would change my life completely. I'd have a big party to start with. Then I'd get back on my bike and go dancing again. It would be a huge weight off my mind.

Not having to worry about Parkinson's progression

"The worst thing about Parkinson's is that it's progressive. That's the most rotten thing about it - you never know how long before it will start to get worse. It's always there in the background.

"My Parkinson's has plateaued at the moment, although of late I have noticed changes in the way the condition presents itself. It's like living with a time bomb. I know it will eventually go to the next level.

"Not having to worry about its progression and just enjoy the time spent with my partner and boys, doing the normal things in life, would be great."

Joe - I would get my mum back

Louisa's son Joe is 13. He explains what a cure would mean to him:

"Finding a cure for Parkinson's would mean the world to not only my mum but all of our family. I would get my mum back.

"We used to do loads of stuff together, like going on our bikes every weekend just to spend some time together, but now my mum can't do all this with me.

"Please help us find a cure so other children like me can get their family members back."

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