A Dundee woman diagnosed with Parkinson’s has told of how the condition inspired a radical career change.
Lorraine Miller, 54, had been a charity manager for 20 years but was unable to continue due to her illness – and after losing her job, became a clock and jewellery maker.
She is now speaking out to inspire others during Parkinson’s Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday.
Lorraine, from Wellbank, said: “I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago after a couple of years of problems.
“The doctors were always dismissive of it being Parkinson’s because of my age – the illness normally affects older people, but when I saw a neurologist I was diagnosed within 20 minutes.
“The biggest issues for me were tremors and fatigue, which made it difficult to do a job like mine, involving lots of travelling around the country.
“When I lost my job I felt worthless and I missed my colleagues – it was a very difficult time.”
Lorraine explained that before her diagnosis she didn’t realise that she had a creative side and her career change came about almost by accident.
She said: “Once when I was at the Glasgow airport shops I saw this beautiful tartan clock, but it was quite expensive.
“I decided to see if I could make one like that myself and it started from there.
“Now I make lots of similar clocks and also oil and resin jewellery.
“I call them my “tremor trinkets”.
“I plan out the shape and the colours, but because of my tremor my hands have a mind of their own and I end up with something different.
“It’s not easy living with Parkinson’s, but if it wasn’t for the condition I wouldn’t have found my creative side – before, I was too busy working at my day job so I wouldn’t have had time to make things.
“I have met so many inspiring people, I go to craft fairs and I’m enjoying making things that people buy and love.”
To see Lorraine’s creations, visit her Facebook page Quarryside Crafts or pop into Olly Bobbins and Friends in Carnoustie.
