Her story is defined by compassion, clinical excellence
Clare Addison
UK
Year of diagnosis: 2016, when I was in the midst of a long career as a nurse. I used my dual perspective as both a clinician and patient to advocate for better, safer, more consistent care for others with Parkinson’s.
Favorite outdoor exercise: pilates, swimming and walking.
Most proud of related to outdoors: I have walked the 85 miles of the Dales Way and the 100 miles of the South Downs Way to fund-raise for Parkinson’s UK, and I’m very proud to have achieved this with the support of many, many friends.
Outdoor or exercise gear that is a must: my walking poles.
Advice for someone recently diagnosed who wants to stay active: Find a good network of friendly uncomplicated support and get exercising. Choose an exercise type that you enjoy. Also ensure you are cared for by a progressive and dynamic team of health care professionals who are experts in Parkinson’s disease.
Advocacy work for PD: I serve as a patient and public voice representative on National Health Care England’s Neurology Clinical Reference Group, and I have co‑led the Parkinson’s UK Excellence Network for the South East. I led a campaign that helped drive an award-winning national patient‑safety initiative to ensure Parkinson’s medication is given on time in hospitals.
How I try to stay positive: All of the above enables me to stay positive.
Career field: I started my nursing career over 40 years ago, specialising in neurosciences and acute surgery.
Something the world should know: Good Parkinson’s care is not just clinical — it is personal, time‑sensitive, and deeply human.
Clare led a push to ensure medication would be given in a timely manner to Parkinson’s patients in hospital.
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If you have Parkinson’s disease and the outdoors and exercise are part of your life, share your story in Unshakable Voices. Email unshakablehiker@gmail.com for details.