Fighting spirit of the people’s choice

“Do not let it get you down,” says John Waterhouse. “Keep fighting.” And keep fighting is exactly what he does.

It’s the spirit that has seen the Parkinson’s sufferer write and publish two books. And now he has been voted Yorkshire Champion by Yorkshire Post readers in a competition to find and honour a local hero.

“It is tremendous. I hope that people are inspired,”adds John, 75, who discovered he had Parkinson’s in 2008.

His story is certainly inspirational. Up until his diagnosis, John had been a prolific amateur sportsman enjoying playing cricket, football and tennis. He also took up umpiring and refereeing and co-founded the village tennis club in Appleton Roebuck where he has lived with wife Sandra since 1970. It was a terrible blow to then fall on the tennis court and discover he had the neurological condition which causes tremors and rigidity.

But John refused to let it stand in his way. Encouraged by a neighbour, the sports fan, who still attends Huddersfield Town matches and has painted his garage door in their colours, turned his early sporting memories into a book.

Memories of a Sporting Man is packed with anecdotes from the cricket square, the football pitch and the tennis court and has raised more than £1,000 for Parkinson’s UK helping sufferers and research. John then launched into print once again with Fantasy Tales, in which he lets his imagination run wild as he bowls out the Aussies and scores a vital goal for England. Ian Savage, regional fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK, who nominated John, told how people came out on a dark and dreary evening from miles around to get an autographed copy in his local pub. “Chatting to those who had come along merely re-enforced my growing view that here was a real gent; someone who wasn’t going to let the problems that his condition caused prevent him from leading a full life, and achieving a huge amount in personal terms, and also in raising awareness of Parkinson’s UK. The fact that he was donating every penny of profit from the book to the charity – just as he had done two years previously with his first book, just demonstrates the selfless nature of a man who really is an inspiration to many much younger – and more able-bodied people,” says Ian who received £200 to give to his chosen charity.

Similarly despite reduced mobility this summer he was determined to complete a sponsored walk at Beningbrough Hall, near York. And even though he can now no longer even walk to his local on a Sunday, he has more ideas in the pipeline. John had just completed the 2.5 mile sponsored walk when Ian nominated him.

“John was determined he was going to complete the course and raised more than £700. This was after he had badgered every single person he knew, plus several more he didn’t, to sponsor his efforts, and I can assure you that completing the course really was something of an achievement for John. Sandra was – of course – by John’s side every step of the way. I can honestly say that I can’t think of anyone more suitable to hold the title of ‘Yorkshire’s Champion’.

“If you are looking for someone who is always happy despite the problems he faces, look no further. Someone who goes the extra mile for a charity he really believes in, and who demonstrates incredible determination in pretty much anything he does.”

Search for a Yorkshire champion

The Yorkshire Post teamed up with Hull-based bakers Jackson’s to find the Yorkshire Champion. Craig Lazenby from Jacksons said: “Whilst all three of the nominees truly reflect the ‘Yorkshire spirit’ we originally sought, this year’s inaugural Jackson’s Yorkshire Champion is a worthy winner. John has worked selflessly to raise awareness and funds for those who share the condition that he copes with each day. He is a truly remarkable Yorkshire man.”