“It was a bit of a shock,” Greg says of his 2020 Parkinson’s diagnosis. “I thought I was reasonably healthy… it came out of left field.”
A now retired maths and IT teacher, Greg had noticed in the classroom that his hand was shaking, but he didn’t think much of it at first. What stood out more though, was how he was feeling. “I was finding it a bit difficult,” he says. “I felt stressed — a bit emotional, which isn’t like me.” Later, he learned these emotional changes weren’t just reactions to the situation, but part of the condition itself — a symptom of Parkinson’s that many people don’t realise.
It was only after a GP visit — where his doctor quickly recognised the signs — that tests were arranged to confirm the diagnosis.
Since then, Greg has approached Parkinson’s in a way that reflects his character: with calm resolve, practical thinking and a respect for information. He considers himself fortunate to have a diagnosis, knowing that many people live with neurological symptoms for years without understanding the cause. For him, it’s better to know than not know. “Learning about the condition, preparing where you can and making adjustments,” he says.
He’s the first to acknowledge that navigating Parkinson’s is a lot to manage — appointments, medications, symptom tracking and daily routines. “You need to keep on top of things.” His wife Glenis plays a key role in helping him stay organised and supported, particularly with the ever-evolving challenges of the condition. She keeps notes about his medications, helps prepare for appointments and supports his routines. Their teamwork — steady, practical and supportive — is central to how Greg continues to live well.
Greg and his wife: Approaching Parkinson's as a team
One of the external supports Greg values is the NeuroCare
neurological nursing service, delivered by the Neurological Council of WA. It’s a nurse-led, community-based service funded by WA Health, providing specialised neurological support in people’s homes and communities. His visits with neurological nurse Deb Barndon provide a touchpoint between specialist appointments and help him stay across symptoms, changes and available services.
“Deb’s been really helpful,” Greg says. “She knows what to look for and what to ask. She’ll check in on things I hadn’t thought of. It’s reassuring. She understands the system — and she gets the Parkinson’s-specific stuff. That makes a difference.”
Parkinson’s WA was one of the first organisations Greg turned to. “They’ve been helpful,” he says. “They have information and support.” Alongside NeuroCare, he sees them as part of a broader network that provides guidance and reassurance throughout the Parkinson’s journey.
Greg is also part of the NeuFriends Coffee Club in Geraldton — a support group for people living with neurological conditions. While he’s not usually drawn to structured gatherings, he’s found enjoyment in the familiarity of the NeuFriends sessions. “You hear ideas, you learn from what others are doing — and you don’t feel like the only one.”
He appreciates the group’s down-to-earth nature — a place where people share strategies, frustrations, even a few laughs. “It’s not just talking about illness. Sometimes someone mentions a bit of tech or a service that makes life easier. That’s useful.”
Music has also remained a steady presence in Greg’s life. A lifelong guitarist, he still plays often. “I thought that would go, but it hasn’t,” he says. “The tremor goes away when I’m concentrating on playing. It keeps my mind going. And it feels like part of me.”
Like many living with Parkinson’s, Greg faces daily fluctuations. Fatigue, word-finding difficulties and medication side effects are all part of the picture. But rather than dwell on what’s uncertain, he focuses on what helps: structure, rhythm and staying engaged. He still exercises regularly — using weights at home or heading out for walks. “I don’t always feel like it,” he admits, “but I push myself because I know it’s good for me and when I don’t push, my wife does.”
Greg doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but he has a good sense of what works for him. “Try and stay ahead of the curve,” he says. “If you notice something changing, don’t ignore it — act on it. Get the information, find the support.”
He encourages others not to do it alone. “There are people out there who understand — nurses like Deb, support groups like NeuFriends. You’ve just got to find what works for you.”
Greg’s message is a reminder that support can take many forms — whether it’s services like NeuroCare, allied health professionals, condition-specific organisations or local community networks.
And while the path is different for everyone, he says the mindset makes a difference. “There’s no one way to manage Parkinson’s. But there’s always something that helps. Keep learning. Keep doing what you enjoy. Keep looking forward.”