Hannah speaks out for right to thrive, not just survive

INSPIRATIONAL CITY WOMAN HAS EARLY ONSET PARKINSON'S PLUS OTHER COMPLEX CONDITIONS

- By PARUL SHARMA

A PLYMOUTH woman who was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's at the age of 42, despite already living with a number of complex health conditions, has explained how she has learned to not only live with her disabilities - but thrive.

Hannah Wallace has shared her experiences in the hope of helping other disabled people around the world, through her blog and podcast, and also delivered an inspirational speech on TEDx talks.

Born and raised in Plymouth, Hannah attended both Langley and Eggbuckland schools and was deeply involved in extracurricular activities.

As a teenager, she was an active member of Eggbuckland's music department and also took part in several school theatre productions.

But all that changed when she turned 17. It all began with a severe case of glandular fever - far worse than others around her had experienced - and unlike them, Hannah never fully recovered.

Initially diagnosed with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), deep down, Hannah said she knew something far more complex was going on. “For years, I lived with unexplained symptoms - fainting episodes, frequent joint dislocations, digestive issues, and chronic pain,” she said. “Despite trying countless treatments and therapies, I had never regained a ‘normal’ life.

“By this point, I had spent 10 years unable to work and often in pain, all while trying to simply make sense of what was happening in my body and trying to get through the days. It wasn't until a decade later that I was finally diagnosed with POTS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and Mast Cell Activation Disorder.”

Hannah said her diagnosis actually brought a sense of relief: “When the diagnosis finally came, it felt like a weight had been lifted.