Peter Stidolph: Positivity in the face of Parkinson’s

Turning it around: Peter Stidolph was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and resolved to approach life with positivity rather than surrender.

by Janine Hill

PETER Stidolph decided on his approach to Parkinson’s disease the night after receiving his diagnosis.

While the rest of the world went to sleep, Peter went through a storm of emotions before reaching a decision before sunrise which has defined the last six years of his life.

“I thought, ‘How the bloody hell am I going to get through this? We have three girls … I was expecting I couldn’t work,” he said.

“And then I thought, ‘You’ve never thought this way before. Get off your a…e, boy. You’ve never thought about your symptoms like this before so turn it around.”

Andrew Powell and Peter Stidolph.

Peter, of Palmwoods, had been living with symptoms of Parkinson’s for years before he was diagnosed with the disease so he resolved to keep living and approach life with positivity rather than surrender.

With that attitude, he has become involved in supporting others with Parkinson’s and initiating fundraising activities despite his own personal challenges.

His involvement includes the Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy annual carols at Sundale Palmwoods, the Parkinson’s Queensland fundraising walk in 2022 and 2023, the Nambour and District Parkinson’s Support Group management group, and the Sundale Palmwoods residents committee. 

Peter was one of several Glass House electorate residents presented with volunteer awards by MP Andrew Powell on 17 November.

Mooloolah Valley Community Association stalwart Jason Carroll, who gives generously of his own time to drive community events, including Mooloolah’s first ANZAC Day dawn service this year, also received an award.

Jason, who ran a mayor’s office back in the United Kingdom, said it made sense to him to use his skills to help the local community.

“My plan when I came over here was to look at running some accommodation and I wanted to give back to the community. I know I can do events.”

Mr Powell said the electorate could not afford the work done by volunteers if it had to pay them.

“Without volunteers most Glass House organisations and sporting groups just wouldn’t exist.  The Volunteer Awards are my opportunity to show them how much we appreciate their help.”

For information about the volunteer awards contact Mr Powell’s office glass.house@parliament.qld.gov.au.