Feeling like the disease had robbed him of precious years, Mr Woodcroft decided to take action. 

“For a few days I didn’t take it too well,” he said. 

“But it’s one of those things - you don’t know what’s around the corner. 

“The diagnosis made me realise I’ve got to get in and do what I want to do now. 

“So, I have done a lot of travelling.”

Peru, Laos and the United States are among the countries Mr Woodcroft visited after being diagnosed – a testament to his belief you can fight to lead an active life with Parkinson’s disease. 

Mr Woodcroft will be sharing his story, ‘I am a PD Warrior’ at a Friends of Kiama Library event. 

“I think it is important to give [Parkinson’s] exposure,” the retired Sydney primary school teacher said. 

“It doesn’t get as much publicity. If you asked the average person what it is, they’d say it’s ‘the disease where people shake’, but it’s so much more than that.”

Mr Woodcroft said he hopes people take away one key thing. “The message is just because you have Parkinson’s doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world.” 

The event will take place on Saturday, February 4 at 2.30pm in the Kiama Family History Centre.