John Stirk

goPlaying sport has been a very important part of my life. It has always given me great enjoyment and kept me physically fit. Over the years I have played various sports but golf and hillwalking have been the dominant ones over the last 30 years.

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008 and it came as quite a shock. How could I have Parkinson’s when I was so physically fit? I’d climbed all the Scottish Munros, I’d ridden over the Andes on horseback and my golf handicap was 11. I thought the diagnosis must be wrong, but it wasn’t.

Both my GP and Parkinson’s Specialist told me to keep doing activities and for the next few years my wife and I continued to go on high level trekking holidays or horse riding in various parts of the world. As I’ve reached 82, the hills I climb now are not as extreme as those in the past but still present a physical challenge. My golf handicap is much higher but I continue to play competitive golf to a reasonable standard 3 times a week. My other hobbies are Scottish Country dancing (when Covid restrictions allow), learning Spanish and reading.

Getting Parkinson’s hasn’t stopped me from enjoying an active sporting lifestyle. I have to plan my days more, remember to take rest days and consider my age (!) as well as my condition. But my wife and I still manage to lead an active, healthy, happy life.

I am very much looking forward to playing in the Sport Parkinson’s Four Nations Golf Event at the Belfry in October and I’m delighted to be part of the Scotland Team. I hope the event raises awareness of the importance of sport to health and that the money donated will further progress research into the Parkinson’s condition.

Leave your good luck message for John here and we will post below!

Play well and enjoy the day. Hope to see you in February at La Quinta.

Roy and Liz

 

Hope you will have a very enjoyable tournament and we are looking forward to seeing you both in December.

Svend Oestergaard

 

Congratulations John enjoy your challenge and play well !

Nigel Lawson Debbie Bell

 

Have a wonderful time John. We’re sure you’ll have a memorable day. Maybe even another hole-in-one? 🏌️‍♂️1️⃣

Frank and Jan

 

Good Luck John, we’re sure you’ll do well and enjoy the experience.

Best wishes Colin and Marie.

 

Go for it John! Best wishes,

Ian and Christine Martin

 

Best of luck to John Stirk and his fellow competitors. Bring home the trophy but above all enjoy yourself!

William (Bill) Murray

 

Very best of luck John.

Sion & Catriona

 

Best of luck! Play well and hope it goes well. Love Ken, Annie, Sarah and Ed xx

Dad, Grandad John you’ve aspired to become a golf international for years, you’ve always chased your dreams and we are thrilled as an English Yorkshireman that your playing for Scotland! Go smash it and love from us all xxxx James, Lisa, Ellie, Rebecca & Mia