Nearly 90 per cent of people with Parkinson's disease in South West have faced discrimination

Parkinson's is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years. Credit: ITV West Country

Nearly 90 per cent of people with Parkinson's disease living in our region have faced harassment and discrimination.

Parkinson's is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.

According to Parkinson's UK, around 60 per cent of people in the country with the condition have been told they don't look ill.

James Wilkinson says he often has to explain his condition to people. Credit: ITV West Country

After spending months travelling the world, the last thing 46 year old James Wilkinson from Bristol expected on his return was to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

James told ITV News he often finds himself having to explain his condition to people who think he is too young to have it.

James says his family have helped him deal with his diagnosis.

He wants to raise awareness and inform people about living with the condition.

After putting on a concert and running a 10k last year, James will be running the London marathon in a few weeks to raising even more money for charity.

James will be running the London marathon in a few weeks to raise money for charity. Credit: James

At 36-years-old, Drew Hallam from St Austell was convinced his nerve pain was from carrying around his newborn son.

He was taken aback when his doctor told him he had Parkinson's disease.

Drew Hallam was shocked when his doctor told him he had Parkinson's disease. Credit: ITV West Country

Drew says he also finds himself having to explain his condition to people.

He is hoping to raise awareness of living with the disease.

Work is being done at hospitals across the region to tackle not only the symptoms but the cause of Parkinson's.

At the moment, there is no cure.