Hamish Turnbull

I was born in Hawick, in the Scottish Borders, where from a very young age we were encouraged to play all forms of sport, particularly rugby, golf, tennis, running and canoeing to name a few.  Golf and Rugby continue through to today, as I’m still an avid golfer and play ‘walking’ rugby now!

I have had a lifetimes career associated with the Scottish Textiles Industry, which led me to swap my native Cheviot Hills for the sunny Surrey Hills. I relocated in 1987 and you could say settled into the southern lifestyle rather well, after 34 years, married to Jayne, 2 daughters Amie and Chloe and a black Labrador dog call ‘Caledonia’ Cale for short. Another plus has been a lifetime membership at both my favourite sport clubs 1) Old Reigatian RFC, where I am ambassador for Parkinson’s charity events 2) Reigate Heath GC, where I’m still trying to beat my age…! Not surprising I am still here!

The 2 loves in my life (after family of course) is a passion to play/watch/talk rugby and golf, which isn’t too surprising when you learn at an age of 8 my father introduced me to play golf with him during the family summer holidays to North Berwick, especially as he was a one-eyed single handicapper, I never looked back.  Then at 9 was introduced to rugby by my primary PE master, Mr Bill McLaren.  The two heroes in my early life, set the bench mark high!

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 5 years ago, aged 55, after the initial shock and getting settled with the right consultant and the right medication, I began to take as much control of this disease as humanly possible.  The first place I started was with my own health and the only way forward that I could see was through daily activity and physical exercise supported by a healthy diet. With a bucket load of “positivity” acquired from being a lifelong Scottish Rugby International supporter and that other virtue that is also needed, patience!

Since diagnosed I find walking long distances troublesome, so I introduced cycling to my repertoire, 3^rd love. I now cycle everywhere possible and plan my next charity bike run from London to Bruges, next May. Hopefully..!?

It has been a privilege to have been introduced to Charlie Appleyard recently, legend, and driving force of the Sports Parkinson family. I totally get the importance of the charity and the world of difference it is making to PD sufferers, to understand exercise is key and more importantly the awareness educates the public that PD is not just a disease for the aged.

I am looking forward to meeting my Captain, Andy, all my fellow teammates and celebrities. I am immensely proud to be playing for my Country, let’s hope my ‘A’ game finds me in time to help bring the “Sport Parkinson’s Golf 2021” title back to the home of golf!

Leave a good luck message below for Hamish – and we will publish it here!

lay well Hamish and enjoy,but NO you can’t have a drop away from that rabbit scrape

Barry Davies