'Phenomenal' man turns to powerlifting in fight against Parkinson's

FORMER PE TEACHER RAISING AWARENESS OF THE DISEASE AS HE SHAPES UP FOR HORNCASTLE EVENT

- BY LAYCIE BECK [e-mail]

Paul Graham pictured powerlifting

A FORMER Lincolnshire PE teacher has spoken about his fight with Parkinson's Disease and how he is continuing to powerlift despite the condition.

Paul Graham, of Sudbrooke, near Lincoln, first experienced symptoms of trembling in 2012, but it was not until 2018 that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

According to the NHS, the disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years, leading to stiff and inflexible muscles, slow movement and a tremor.

The 67-year-old said: “It didn’t impact me so much at first, but as it's progressed it has become difficult to do basic movements, like buttoning a top, tying a shoelace, making myself a hot drink.

“These tasks on difficult days become impossible to do.”

He continued: “Nothing prepares you for the pains you get, the problems sleeping, and the constant fatigue.