Thank you Dr Lees for that kind introduction.

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am truly honoured to have been given the opportunity to address this the Second World Parkinson Congress.

As you know the patient address at the First Congress was delivered by Michael J Fox.

I have been a fan of Michael’s since I was a teenager.

One of my first trips to the cinema was with my sister Christine to see “Back to the Future” . I thought it was a fantastic film.

As we left the cinema I said two things to Christine. The first I have no problem with.

I said: “Michael J Fox is so cool.”

The second statement I am now not so sure about. I said:  “I wish I was just like him”.

Four years on from the first Congress I am delighted to welcome you to Scotland. Many of you are new to Glasgow and I am sure you will enjoy your stay in this wonderful city.

Glasgow is known throughout the world as a city of culture, as a city of invention and industry, and as you will discover, a city inhabited by colourful, humorous and optimistic characters.

For me Glasgow is a great place to have Parkinson’s.

It is also the [...] continue the story