'Parkinson's makes you wish you were never born', says Jeremy Paxman

In his statement, Jeremy Paxman expressed that Parkinson's disease causes individuals to regret their existence, and emphasized the need for improved care and support for those affected.

The ex-host of University Challenge and Newsnight shared his thoughts while submitting a set of suggestions on the problem to the Prime Minister's residence.

Joined by his colleagues from the Movers and Shakers podcast, where they discuss the difficulties of living with Parkinson's disease, he celebrated World Parkinson's Day by presenting the "Parky Charter." Additionally, he delivered a petition with thousands of signatures to Downing Street.

Despite the efforts of the charter and petition, Paxman expressed doubt that they would bring about any change within the Government. He stated that the Government's continual neglect of their obligations thus far leads him to believe that they will not improve their behavior.

I have a hunch that the words created by the health ministry will validate my assumption. I doubt that we will make any progress. It seems like we are attempting an impossible task.

The broadcaster, who was born in Leeds, expressed his anger towards how people treat those who have Parkinson's disease. He stated, "You just want to tell them to move aside and leave, that's what you feel like saying."

"Regretting Existence: A Painful Reality"

Paxman revealed in May 2021 that he had Parkinson’s disease and resigned as the University Challenge presenter.

The man, aged 73, started working on the BBC's trainee program in 1972. He stated that having Parkinson's disease won't necessarily cause death, but it can make someone wish they were never born.

He stated: "The drug companies won't benefit from this, it's simply a means for them to make more money."

Approximately 153,000 individuals have received a diagnosis for this ailment, but it's predicted that over 200,000 people may be experiencing it.

The podcast called Movers and Shakers has a bunch of notable guests. These include Rory Cellan-Jones, a journalist who used to work for the BBC, Mark Mardell, a former editor for Europe and North America at the same network, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, a correspondent who used to work there too, Sir Nick Mostyn, who was the divorce barrister for the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and Paul Mayhew-Archer, who co-wrote the show called Vicar of Dibley.

The Parky Charter proposes five important suggestions: rapid access to experts for those with Parkinson's disease within the National Health Service (NHS), creating a pamphlet for Parkinson's UK to raise awareness and offer more assistance, designing a Parkinson's passport to grant people access to specific benefits, improving adequate care by providing frequent consultations with a Parkinson's nurse, and increasing funding from the government to research for a solution to cure the illness.

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, commended the charter and stated his strong support for the efforts of the Movers and Shakers. He promised that the charter will receive well-deserved attention and recognition.

Caroline Rassell, who leads the non-profit organization Parkinson's UK, stated that the Movers and Shakers group consists of remarkable individuals living with Parkinson's disease. They work together to express their opinions and viewpoints, resulting in a significant impact for positive changes.

We stand by the guidelines laid out in the Parky Charter, as they align with the concerns that are brought to our attention by the Parkinson’s UK community.

"Unstoppable Disease: Progressively Degrading"

The leader of Spotlight YOPD, Carl Beech, recounted his experience of being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at a young age. He vividly remembers the consultant telling him that the disease was incurable, degenerative, and would only get worse over time.

I realized that my life had changed and I needed assistance. The podcast called Movers and Shakers caught my attention, and it was the first podcast I ever listened to. It was a relief to know that I wasn't the only one facing such challenges.

When I was younger, I faced a comparable but distinct challenge. It involved struggling with deteriorating health while lacking effortless access to monetary assistance. This difficult situation of fighting for the necessary aid and occasionally failing can be crushing to one's spirit.