I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in June 2016 although I can trace symptoms back years before that. Being diagnosed was like being reborn. I had a determination to build around me a support network.

I immediate started physio with a specialist neuro physio therapists, this lead on to starting PD Warrior. Speech therapy was next and following 12 sessions with an NHS speech therapist I could speak normally again.

After a few changes in medication and great effort at PD warrior I felt I was on track for what was a new life living with Parkinson’s.

I started writing poetry, something I had not done before. I was then encouraged to explore art. Again something I’d never done before. Parkinson’s had given me these gifts and I was as amazed as others around me were!

I was asked by Radio Parkies together with my partner Susan Pennells to do a piece for a show on arts and craft and Parkinson’s. So we produced a 20 minute brief program and submitted it. It was scheduled to go out the following week. We sat there to listen to find it wasn’t aired. We later asked why but got lots of strange excuses.

That night I awoke at 3am as usual and in my head was the idea to start an on line radio station for Parkinson’s. Not like Radio Parkies but a different concept of providing information for those newly diagnosed and living with Parkinson’s. Steering the whole station towards being Parkinson’s based. Even the name Shaky Radio came into my mind at that unearthly hour.

Three days and a lot of work. Shaky Radio was on line with a test stream of royalty free music. We then officially launched on September 1st 2019. We had podcast from all aspects of Parkinson’s. We had many bites of advice about exercise, and living with Parkinson’s. I had a a hard time getting people to listen or even understand what I was trying to achieve. There was a element within the Parkinson’s community who actively opposed the existence of Shaky Radio. Hacking and sabotage attempts, miss information, lies and slander just a few issues that have come my way. All because I wanted to provide an easy place where the poor person who has just been diagnosed could find information.

Many knock backs and changes to programming I wanted to forget the idea and throw the switch. Following my personal belief of not reacting. I let time pass.

More attacks and nearly a year on I decided to concentrate on Shaky Radio as a general radio station. We adjusted the music brought in lots of outside programming and watch as the listeners world wide grow.

Now we have put all the Parkinson’s podcasts and information on the website and our on demand system. It’s a shame that the original concept was so badly received and opposed. We still have a group of people out there spreading lies and miss information about the station, myself, and anyone associated with it and actively putting people off. I now know how Trump feels like!

The future. We are continuing with the development of on demand services. The website is to carry more information on living with Parkinson’s and I refuse to give in to these bullies.

Shaky Radio is now an official registered charity company and will continue the endeavour to provide for those living and coming to terms with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s.