For many people, Parkinson’s can be a debilitating condition, but Alli, who was diagnosed 18 months ago, is not allowing it to diminish her life.

“In some ways I’m having my best time ever,” said Alli, 70, who lives in Scotland and has a Re-engage call companion in partnership with Parkinson's UK.

“It’s quite scary when you find out you’ve got it, and because it’s degenerative, you don’t know when you just won’t be able to do anything anymore. So I’m taking every opportunity to enjoy what I can when I can.”

Alli, who also has osteo-arthritis, is still able to drive, attends weekly Parkinson’s dances and is a member of a choir in Alva, Clackmannanshire, which is made up of secondary school students and people with Parkinson’s.

She recently went to the Kirrie Music Festival in Angus and has found a ‘lovely new man.’

Alli, a grandmother of two, was married to Doug, a former Virgin Records executive, for nearly 40 years until he died of cancer seven years ago. 

“My medication is very good and I’m able to still get out and about,” said Alli, a former special needs primary school teacher. “I have family nearby who I see and the people at the dances and choir are just delightful.

“I try to stay cheerful and positive, nevertheless I still spend a lot of time on my own, so I find having a call companion is very helpful. It’s nice to have a normal conversation with someone who will just listen. You can spend a lot of time talking about and worrying about all the different symptoms of Parkinson’s so to have a casual chat on the phone about everyday things is good.”