Jane Compton
Chair and Trustee
Jane was diagnosed with Early-Onset Parkinson’s in 2021, aged 50. The diagnosis came as no surprise; after experiencing symptoms for two years, Jane anticipated the news. She first noticed a stiffness in her right shoulder, soon followed by a change in her handwriting which became smaller and illegible, both common symptoms of PD. Parkinson’s is progressive and living with the condition becomes more challenging. “It’s a complicated movement disorder, sometimes I can walk, sometimes I can only shuffle along, sometimes I can’t even pick up a pen. I’ve met some wonderful, brave and inspiring people in the PD community - Upbeat PD is for them”
Jane is married to Andre; they have two teenage children. Previously, Jane was a fashion buyer for a department store.
David Walker
Trustee
David founded Ardmore Language Schools; the UK’s largest provider of residential Summer English language courses for juniors aged 7-17 years. At its peak welcoming over 20,000 foreign students to its Summer schools in the UK and USA. Ardmore celebrated its 40th year in 2024.
David was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015, aged 59 and retired in 2019 to spend time with his family, travel, exercise and raise funds for research to help find a cure for Parkinson’s. High intensity exercise for 30 to 60 minutes each day has played a large part in the fight against Parkinson’s as well as trying to sleep well and a healthy diet. Initial symptoms were poor sleep, vivid dreams and illegible handwriting and have progressed over the years to include freezing gait, poor balance, bradykinesia and dyskinesia. In September 2024, David underwent an elective Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) procedure at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, part of the University College London Hospital.
Sarah Murray Jones
Trustee
Sarah has joined Upbeat PD to lend her business experience, volunteers her time to further the awareness of PD and to help promote our fundraising efforts.
Sarah has seen how the condition affects the individual, family, friends and carers.
Sarah is married to Jim; they have three grown up children.
