LEANNE Owen’s career as a firefighter was cut short after she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

Stationed at West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service headquarters in Birkenshaw, she worked as a watch manager in emergency planning when, five years ago, she received the life-changing news.

But while everything changed, it was, as she says, “not necessarily for the worse,” and she lives a full, happy life supported by family and friends.

The mother-of-two first knew there was something wrong when she was training for a charity bike ride from London to Paris.

“I first noticed problems with my shoulder, and when using the computer my mouse finger was not clicking properly,” she says. “I also found it difficult when holding a pen - my writing was deteriorating.

Seeking medical advice, it was thought that she was suffering from frozen shoulder and began having physiotherapy.

“Then my arm stopped swinging while I was walking, which is a peculiar thing to happen. On holiday I then noticed that while I was wearing flip flops they were making an odd sound and were dragging rather than flip-flopping. I mentioned this to an acupuncturist who recognised it as a neurological condition.”

She was sent for a DaTscan (CORRECT), a diagnostic test for Parkinsons. “I Googled it and looked at the symptoms. I ticked so many boxes.”

A neurologist confirmed her fears. “It was devastating,” she adds. “I knew that it was a degenerative illness and knew that it would mean that I would not be able to do my job.”

With no opportunity for redeployment, Leanne took her pension early. “I loved my job - being part of the fire service but now I fill my life with other things,” she says.

Always fit and active, Leanne continued to push herself to raise funds for charitable causes, primarily Parkinson’s UK. The coast-to-coast walk, the Edinburgh MoonWalk (CORRECT) and the Great North Run and a sky dive are among the many challenges she has completed for charity.

Now, to mark Parkinson's Awareness Week, she is cycling the 477 miles around Yorkshire, visiting all the local support groups for Parkinson’s UK.

Her condition affects her right side, and she struggles with tasks such as washing her hair, dressing and preparing food. “Using a knife and fork is difficult, and frying an egg is almost impossible, particularly when you try to remove it from the pan.”

Leanne’s husband Peter, a former fire fighter who has also taken early retirement, has been “a fabulous support - I don’t know what I would do without him,”and her mum Glenys, who lives next door, helps out a lot.

Sons Alex, 22, and Danny, 19, are also understanding and supportive.

“And I have my Parky Pals, a group of women between 40 and 50 who also have Parkinson’s. However supportive your family and friends are, it is good to speak to other people who also have the symptoms and can relate exactly to how you feel,” she says.

Leanne is being supported by friend Jayne Hughes, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's aged 43 and is looking after the administration side of the ride.

She says: "We hold each other up at times when we need someone to lean on. Leanne has been an avid fundraiser - from a standing stall at car boot sales come hail, rain and shine, to hosting themed garden parties at her home with magicians. At one party a complete male voice choir sang in the garden."

“We would love to see people come along on the day to support Leanne,” says John Sheffield, who serves on the committee of the Bradford and Shipley branch of Parkinson’s UK.

An estimating and design engineer who lives in Gilstead, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s six years ago.

but experienced symptoms far earlier. Like Leanne, he was shocked at first. “When I learned more and knew how I could deal with it, I felt okay. You have to accept your limitations. I used to love playing golf, but my balance is affected - I do it if I can,” he says.”

Now John - who controls his condition through medication - gives talks to groups including medical students, church groups and workplaces such as the Department for Work and Pensions.

The support group offers information, friendship and support to local people with Parkinson's, their families and carers. It also organises regular events and social activities.

They also have access to a Parkinson’s local adviser who provides one-to-one information and emotional support to people with the condition, their families and carers.

“The more people know about the condition, the better their treatment will be,” adds John.

* Leanne will be at Herriots Hotel, Broughton Road, Skipton at 4.45pm on Monday April 18 and the following morning from 8.45am, at Keighley Town Hall, North Street, on Tuesday April 19 at 10.30am and the Chip & Ern pub in Main Street, Bingley, on Tuesday April 19 at 11.45am.

For more information about the event or Parkinson’s Disease contact John Sheffield on 07429411791 or visit parkinsons.org.uk/local-support-groups/regions/yorkshire-and-humber/bradford-and-shipley-branch; also visit paw477.co.uk; justgiving.com/paw477; facebook.com/paw477