Henfield photographer '˜often tries to hide' symptoms of Parkinson's

David Plummer, 47, was speaking to mark Parkinson’s Awareness Week - as charity Parkinson’s UK revealed 37 per cent of people with the condition have felt the need to hide their symptoms or lie about their diagnosis.

He said: “After six months of tests, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

“I ended up walking round and round a square in London, completely dazed.

“Then I went to a bar in Victoria station and drank too much before getting the train home. And so I entered the dark days. Panic, claustrophobia and no sleep.”

David also admitted ‘a part of him’ wants to hide hid symptoms, as he can find them ‘embarrassing’ in social situations.

He added: “Parkinson’s is not a flag I wave. There are a few people I told quickly but after that I didn’t announce it.

“I’ll often try to hide it if my symptoms are showing, as sometimes it’s embarrassing. When going out on dates or in social situations it’s not something you want to say first off. A part of me wants to hide it.”

New research released by Parkinson’s UK reveals 63 per cent of people who feel the need to hide their symptoms do so as they do not want others to feel awkward or embarrassed around them.

About a third (34 per cent) feel like they would be judged, while 32 per cent said they feel like their symptoms are not socially acceptable.

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