David Piddington

I an writing to say how sad I was to see David's supplementary Scribe a Line in the current issue of MEW 240 where he announced to us all the news of his affliction by Parkinson's.

I think it was very brave of him to make the announcement in such a public way and I for one would like to wish both him and his family the very maximum of happiness and enjoyment that can be extracted from the time left remaining to him.

Brian

Brian,

My copy only arraived this morning, so I had not seen David Piddington's note:

I agree 100% with your comments, and would just like to add my thanks and best wishes.

MichaelG.

I can only second the sentiments already expressed above.

I have enjoyed reading his articles and it is a sad loss to the magazine that there will be no more.

I send my very best wishes to him and his family

Mike

I hope to visit David again soon and glean some more of his great stock of tales.

I shall make sure he is aware of your good wishes.

Neil

My own thoughts at this time.

I first met David at one of those Reeves Open Days that used to be held at Marston Green. He was knowledgeable and helpful and over the years our paths have crossed at exhibitions etc. We are both of the same era although I cut metal a few years ahead of David, we have both written for the magazines and both have tried to help others.

Now David needs our help and support, I am sure those closer to him geographically will rise to the occasion, the more remote, will also think about him and join in our common expression of best wishes for the coming days and years.

Thank you David.

K

Wish you all the best Dave. I do hope you can still enjoy the model engineer world, perhaps in other ways.

Alan

Best wishes David. I have a close friend here with Parkinson's so I can sympathise with you and your family.

Russell.

Having only read David's articles, rather than knowing him personally, he is held in high regard by me. His letter was, I thought a marvellous and charming sign off. The hobby will be so much poorer without his presence and input.

Like others, I wish David and his family a long and happy time together.

As an aside, from time to time, the proceeds from article being published, go direct to the Parkinsons charity, (and then to Cancer UK, and Alzheimers, on rotation

Howard

I've been in contact with David this week, which has been rather a pleasure, and he has asked me to thank you all, and post this reply on his behalf.

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Hello to:---

Neil W; Alan J; Russell E; Howard L; B Wood; Michael G; Michael C; KWIL; Alan J; Ted J; and any who might have joined in with such heart-warming comments regarding my (almost) resignation from this most wonderful hobby which I have been privileged to serve both as amateur and professional. My wife Mary and I, having wiped away a few tears, thank you all for the sentiments expressed in your forum messages.

Please be assured that I have no pride in being given the indeterminate death sentence of Parkinson’s Disease, but neither am I ashamed of it. Scientists have been studying this along with Alzheimer’s and Dementia for decades without fully understanding their cause, let alone finding a cure though there are drugs that can extend life expectancy. I felt you should know.

There are those within this great hobby who have encountered me either face to face; over a telephone call; or the opening of a letter, I have tried to resolve problems of mine (lots), or those of others, to the best of my ability. Where I have failed I sincerely apologise though the main effort has always been to encourage.

Parkinson’s Disease acts in a number of ways. My problem is mobility plus left arm and hand tremors making use of typewriter and tools problematic, so it was prudent to surrender my driving license. Thanks to generosity of friends I hope to attend local exhibitions and continue my interest mostly from my arm chair or computer.

David,

In the hopes you are reading this quite a few years ago now I had the good fortune to meet a guy in a nursing home down in the south.

I had bough a load of books off him which he had kept until I got down that way. He also had to give up his workshop because of age and infirmity but he was still very enthusiastic.

The cut what could be a long story shorted he's got someone to teach him 3D CAD and was now 'modelling' on the computer.

A bit of a wag as he reckoned that his mate was also building the same loco in 5" gauge but he was building in full scale, 12" to the foot.

Just think he said a full sized 68' loco in this tiny flat.

I don't know where this could fit into your skill set or not? just an idea.

Can I add my best wishes to David, too and also add that he should not give up hope. I watched a short report on the television - I'm afraid I can't remember which program or exactly when - only a couple of weeks ago concerning a gentleman who suffers from Parkinson's-induced tremors. He had a small electronic implant inserted in his brain. When activated by an external trigger, a bit like a remote control, the tremors stopped completely. It wasn't a cure, but it does give some hope to those who might benefit from the research. Perhaps a Google search may throw up a lead?

All the best,

John

Just took my own advice and came up with this:

http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/treatment/surgery-treatment-options/Deep-Brain-Stimulation

Seems it's not so new or experimental as I thought.

Edited By John Hinkley on 01/04/2016 17:26:45

Thank you to Johns Stevenson and Hinkley for you comments and encouragements. Being a hands-on metalworker rather than a theorist I decided some years ago when a pal tried to teach me CAD, but still being 'active' I realised that i would need to stop almost every thing else I was doing just to learn this, but the whole ethos was so awkward - to me - with the small monitor and having to zoom in and out for almost every action, totally put me off.

Re the brain insert I had heard of this via the Parkinson Charity of which I am a member but have not yet mentioned this to my consultant. Must tie a knot in my shoelaces to remind me next time I see him.

If anyone reading this feels that research into this and other similar ailments would like to donate some money then [email protected] will be pleased to hear from you.

Best wishes to you all

davidP

My best wishes to you David as well. My mother had the same illness. Progression can vary a lot between individuals.

You wont remember but we chatted a bit a few times some years ago a Reeve's. That was an excellent service that I regularly miss.

John

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