ALAN WHARTON’S Parkinson’s Lament, a song he wrote about being afflicted with the terrible disease, is bleak but recommended listening.

Along with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s is one of the illnesses striking down increasing numbers of people yet doesn’t attract the same amount of discussion as other fatal and life-limiting diseases.

It is Parkinson’s Awareness Week and it is through people like Mr Wharton that the true horror is continually told to the public.

The actor Michael J Fox raised the profile of Parkinson’s when he revealed he too was a victim, but that was many years ago.

Mr Wharton has been suffering for 25 years and has now poured his emotions and frustrations in to Parkinson’s Lament, a typically downbeat blues piece.

Mr Wharton reveals he was at a real low ebb when he wrote it yet, as stark as it is, it also shows Parkinson’s cannot conquer that spirit within all of us.

Mr Wharton’s inner strength to show this terrible disease will not completely conquer him shines through.

It is a powerful message to remember: No matter the affliction, people can still fight with their spirit and deserve our respect for that.