A DESIGNER who was forced to give up his dream job when he developed Parkinson’s disease has been given a new lease of life by helping other sufferers.

Tomorrow marks the third anniversary of the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Parkinson’s Support Group.

For member Gary Martin it will be a double celebration, as he will turn 47.

Gary, of West View, Oswaldtwistle, was just 39 when he noticed a slight shake in his hand.

The former Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School pupil discovered it was the early onset of Parkinson’s disease, a condition which develops because of a shortage of the chemical dopamine, which makes people’s movements slower, and can lead to shaking or ‘tremors’.

Eventually he had to quit his career as creative director for renowned London tailors Harvie and Hudson.

Gary said: “I was designing and buying and going around the world. Now my hands are more or less useless. It was difficult to come to terms with.

“My main skill is art but now I can’t sign my name or use a pen.

“There was no way I could keep living in London, getting the tube. I have trouble walking and use a walking stick.

“But I write more now, I do a blog and it’s given me more time to do other things. I enjoy working for Parkinson’s UK.”

The support group, which is affiliated to the national charity, will host a post-Christmas party tomorrow, with a catered for lunch and musical entertainment running from 11.30am to 2pm in the supper room at Accrington Town Hall.

It is open to anybody affected by the disease.

Gary said: “The group was started by Hyndburn councillor Wendy Dwyer; whose late husband Michael had Parkinson’s.

“We now have nearly 100 members and we’re one of the most successful new support groups in the UK.

“We meet every other month usually for a short lunch.

“We have speakers come in, it’s very informal, and we go just to be with other sufferers and people who are newly diagnosed, who know nothing about it and are very worried.”