Eradicating Parkinsons the focus of inspirational speech at February Court Lunch
Published on: 8 February 2019
Inspirational - the only word to describe the speech given by Dr Jon Stamford in response to the toast to the guests at the February Court Lunch at Ironmongers’ Hall.
Until (partial) retirement in 2017 Dr Stamford was a scientific and advocate communications coordinator at the Cure Parkinsons Trust, the Master’s chosen Charity for his year.
A neuroscientist by training, Dr Stamford spent some 20 years heading a research team into Parkinsons Disease, mostly at the Royal London Hospital and London Hospital Medical College, ironically, where James Parkinson himself had trained.
In 2006, when he was in his 40s, he was, himself, diagnosed with the same degenerative disease.
His description of the effects of the disease, from a very personal as well as a clinical standpoint served to mesmerise the audience.
His strength and resolve in the face of such adversity was truly an inspiration.
One of Dr Stanford’s key points was that we, as a society, shouldn’t accept the consequences of such a disease but do our utmost to fight against it in any way we can to find a cure.
He was strong in his belief that a cure would be found - in the same way, he told us, that Polio, Small Pox and some types of Cancer have been eradicated.
He, light-heartedly but convincingly, told us that the main objective of charities such as the Cure Parkinsons Trust was to put itself out of business.
We all witnessed an inspirational, uplifting, motivating speech delivered stylishly and passionately to a spellbound audience.
A team of WCB Liverymen is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in March raising funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust and the Master’s Million Fund.
Please help the cause by donating at the Just Giving page.
Details of future Court Luncheons and how to book.