16/06/2026
Tony and Jill from Port Talbot recently flew to Phoenix, Arizona to represent Parkinson’s UK Cymru at the World Parkinson’s Congress.
Tony says: “On the first day, crowds of people swarmed the building looking for friends, talks and sessions to attend. There were three floors of well structured events. We entered the main exhibit hall to be greeted by the buzz of hundreds of people talking. Jill enjoyed reflexology and singing sessions, while I stayed on the Parkinson’s UK stand chatting, answering questions and showing off some of my poetry.”
Tony and Jill were busy throughout their time in Phoenix, with Tony adding: “There was so much going on. We enjoyed Taiko drumming, a networking dinner, fantastic speakers and the poster walk - rows of posters by various companies with staff ready to talk about their product. These range from walking aids, stand up desks, to stem cell treatment. So good to see so much being done for the Parkinson’s community across the world.”
Reflecting on their trip, Jill adds: "The emphasis given to care givers of those living with Parkinson's was amazing. I felt comforted that we were encouraged to join all the talks and activities."
“We feel honoured and humbled to have been selected to represent Parkinson’s UK Cymru,” Tony says. “We’re so grateful for a life changing experience.”
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Yn ddiweddar, aeth Tony a Jill o Bort Talbot i Phoenix, Arizona i gynrychioli Parkinson’s UK Cymru yng Nghyngres Parkinson’s y Byd.
Dywedodd Tony: “Ar y diwrnod cyntaf, heidiodd torfeydd o bobl i’r adeilad yn chwilio am ffrindiau, sgyrsiau a sesiynau i fynychu. Roedd tair llawr o ddigwyddiadau wedi’u strwythuro’n dda. Aethom i mewn i’r brif neuadd arddangos i gael ein cyfarch gan sŵn cannoedd o bobl yn siarad. Mwynhaodd Jill sesiynau reflexoleg a chanu, tra arhosais i ar stondin Parkinson’s UK yn sgwrsio, yn ateb cwestiynau ac yn dangos rhywfaint o fy marddoniaeth.”
Roedd Tony a Jill yn brysur drwy gydol eu hamser yn Phoenix, gyda Tony yn ychwanegu: “Roedd cymaint yn digwydd. Fe wnaethon ni fwynhau drymio Taiko, cinio rhwydweithio, siaradwyr gwych a’r daith bosteri - rhesi o bosteri gan wahanol gwmnïau gyda staff yn barod i siarad am eu cynnyrch. Mae’r rhain yn amrywio o gymhorthion cerdded, desgiau sefyll, i driniaeth celloedd bonyn. Mor dda gweld cymaint yn cael ei wneud ar gyfer y gymuned Parkinson’s ledled y byd.”
Wrth fyfyrio ar eu taith, mae Jill yn ychwanegu: "Roedd y pwyslais a roddir i ofalwyr y rhai sy’n byw gyda Parkinson’s yn anhygoel. Roeddwn i'n teimlo'n braf ein bod ni wedi cael ein hannog i ymuno â'r holl sgyrsiau a gweithgareddau."
“Rydym ni'n teimlo'r anrhydedd ein bod ni wedi cael ein dewis i gynrychioli Parkinson's UK Cymru,” meddai Tony. “Rydym ni mor ddiolchgar am brofiad sydd wedi newid ein bywydau.”