Refer
DonateGraham's Story
Graham was referred to Compton’s Living Well Service in September 2024 following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.
He said “I started noticing little things were off, like my balance suddenly doing its own dance instead of staying steady. As someone who loves skiing, it felt like my body was inventing new moves I’d never practiced on the slopes. Everyday things that used to be easy started feeling unfamiliar and difficult to do.”
“The turning point came with an accident, which prompted a visit to the doctor, and after a number of tests and scans by a specialist team I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. It was a big shock, it turned my world upside down and changed my lifestyle.”
As Graham adjusted to life with Parkinson’s, his specialist team at West Park recommended Compton Care’s Living Well Service, as a welcoming space for people facing life-limiting diagnoses to connect, share experiences, and support one another.
Compton’s Living Well Service aims to give patients the practical and emotional tools that they need to continue to live actively and independently with their condition. The therapy led service works together with patients to agree a programme of activities to meet their individual goals and needs and this is carried out in whichever way is most accessible. Activities include breathlessness management, complementary therapy, social groups, education sessions or activity sessions such as relaxation, art and craft or music therapy.
Graham continued, “Joining Living Well gave me a reason to get up in the morning. Meeting others who understand what I’m going through was like finding my tribe. Once I could talk openly at Compton, I found the confidence to share with my family and friends, too.”
He added, “Parkinson’s can really sap your motivation and mood, so having regular sessions at Compton gave me a sense of purpose. The group’s camaraderie and humour was a real boost and tonic.”
Graham added, “A highlight for me has been the complementary therapies on offer—mindfulness, massage, and aromatherapy—which help manage symptoms and promote wellbeing. It showed me there’s more than just medication to help me feel calm and in control.”
Complementary therapies can be used alongside conventional medical treatment to improve physical and emotional health. Treatments are delivered by Compton’s team of experienced therapists who will discuss the different therapies available and, working together with the patient, will create a treatment plan based on their individual needs.
Graham shared, “Compton didn’t just help me manage Parkinson’s, they helped me reclaim my life and my confidence.”