My story

Now I've learned how to live with Parkinson’s

The only way is up ... Gavin Hastings, left, is joining climb with our Jen, right, to help wife Diane, centre
The only way is up ... Gavin Hastings is joining the climb with our Jen right, to help wife Diane

The mum of two was diagnosed with Parkinson's aged just 39. She tells YVONNE BOLOURI how her life has changed since her diagnosis.

 

To an onlooker, Diane Hastings has a charmed life.

But eight years ago Diane was diagnosed with the degenerative brain disorder Parkinson's disease.

She was only 39 years old and the news came as a devastating blow to the family.

Disbelief, anger, tears and depression rocked her to the core.

But resilient Diane did what she knows best — she got on with life.

Now 47, she controls her symptoms with medication and is firmly in control.

Diane was referred for tests and scans at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital. Parkinson's was diagnosed straight away.

She said: "I was gobsmacked. I thought Parkinson's only happened to old people. I was 39.

"At the time Gavin was in Australia at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. I had to phone him with the news. It was not a good time.

But she said: "I didn't know much about Parkinson's so I looked on websites and to be honest, they go into too much detail and aren't very positive.

"So I stopped that. Of course I cried and I had my black moments.

"It took a few weeks to sink in but by the time Gavin was due home, I had my head round it.

" I realised this was the card I'd been dealt, and there was nothing I could do about it."

"Medication made me feel completely well. The stiffness improved, my energy levels went up and I realised that living with Parkinson's isn't a death sentence."

"When you have something like Parkinson's private healthcare won't cover you but my NHS treatment has been superb.

"My doctor and consultant are just an email away if I need help, and the neurologist is the same one I had when I was in private healthcare."

"I look after myself, watch what I eat and we've now got two dogs so I exercise them for an hour every morning. I'd never have done that before, but now, when I miss a morning, I really miss the benefits.

She said: "I'm extremely proud of Gavin and the kids. Gavin is going to be 50 in January so we're planning something special.

"He's climbing Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the Funding Neuro charity. We met the founder Bryn Williams, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's when he was 36, through a mutual friend, so Gavin does a lot of fundraising for Wobbly Williams.

"When Gavin's away, we usually Skype but I don't think he'll be able to do that on the top of a mountain!"

Diane understands the devastation of a Parkinson's diagnosis but insists there is hope.

She advised: "Accept it, take the medication and enjoy your life.

"Of course, I'd rather not have it, but things could be a whole lot worse."

My gallery 9

My Teams

My company

My charity

Funding Neuro

Funding Neuro

Charity Registration No. SC042061

Funding Neuro funds research that will lead to treaments and cures for neurological conditions. We do this by bringing researchers in all fields and patients of all disorders together to share ideas and to deliver results.

Donations 342

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Good Luck Gavin, Well done ATB

Donation by Bill Millar on 16/01/12

£50.00

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All the very best Gav. The family are very proud of your great effort.Lindsay Walls & Daphne Sleigh

Donation by Lindsay Walls on 16/01/12

£50.00

+ £12.50 Gift Aid

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These problems all come too young - I am sorry it happened to such positive, smiling people but maybe God thought the rest of us need your example.

Donation by a former player on 16/01/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Good luck and happy 50th birthday

Donation by Christine Nimmo on 16/01/12

£25.00

+ £6.25 Gift Aid

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good luck

Donation by Jon Doig on 16/01/12

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Donation was raised at the Watsoinians v Heriots rugby pre-match lunch on 14Jan to support a club legend & wonderful person plus Big Gav too Go Leggy

Donation by euan kennedy on 15/01/12

£500.00

+ £125.00 Gift Aid

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Good luck Bug steak, allways in support

Donation by Carson Russell on 15/01/12

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good luck gav - !!

Donation by kevin troup and jenny dunbar on 15/01/12

£50.00

+ £12.50 Gift Aid

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Heard its all going well so far. Remember what goes up must come down-enjoy! Well done, love The McNaughtons x

Donation by Kerry McNaughton on 15/01/12

£50.00

+ £12.50 Gift Aid

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Good on you "Leggy" Fantastic effort in raising over £31K. Keep using the ointment though I am sure it will improve. love to Diane, Adam and Holly.

Donation by Ronnie & Judy Speirs on 15/01/12

£50.00

+ £12.50 Gift Aid

Donation by Hugh Williams on 15/01/12

£100.00

+ £25.00 Gift Aid

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Well done - amazing effort! Kenny and Lucy Hay

Donation by Anonymous on 14/01/12

£50.00

+ £12.50 Gift Aid

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Good luck Gavin can't wait to see pictures !

Donation by Kathy MacGregor on 14/01/12

£20.00

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Fantastic cause and good luck. Would love to see the photographs. Lots of love, David and Claire Millard

Donation by David Millard on 13/01/12

£50.00

+ £12.50 Gift Aid

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Good luck Gavin and well done with cash raised so far. Take care. Derek, Karen, Nicky and Rachel

Donation by derek murray on 13/01/12

£100.00

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Happy 50th from the Welsh clan. Your rugby days will get you there (and back down I hope).

Donation by Dyfrig john on 13/01/12

£100.00

+ £25.00 Gift Aid

Donation by Lennox Batten on 12/01/12

£50.00

+ £12.50 Gift Aid

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Gavin, trust the big ascent is well and truly underway and thinking of you .....

Donation by Kathie Lorimer on 12/01/12

£25.00

+ £6.25 Gift Aid

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Gav,I'm sure all your training will pay off! All the best for a great cause. Left you a half-bottle on the summit! John, Lindsay, Jamie, Cammy, Corin

Donation by john Macdonald on 12/01/12

£100.00

+ £25.00 Gift Aid

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Congratulations on the big birthday and the best of luck for a successful trip to the top.

Donation by Robert Bruce on 12/01/12

£100.00

+ £25.00 Gift Aid

Donation by Bryan McShane on 12/01/12

£250.00

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Gav, fantastic cause and great way to mark you half century.

Donation by Neale Provan on 11/01/12

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WELL DONE GAVIN, JUST WISH I HAD YOUR LEGS!

Donation by JAMES COOK on 11/01/12

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Great effort Gavin. Good Luck!

Donation by malcolm offord on 11/01/12

£100.00

+ £25.00 Gift Aid

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Gavin, happy birthday , great cause stay safe

Donation by stuart gulliver on 11/01/12

£1,000.00

+ £250.00 Gift Aid

Donation summary

  • * Online donations£35,198.00
  • Offline donations£9,165.00
  • Text donations£0.00
  • Total raised£44,363.00
  • Gift Aid£6,029.50

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