Big heart reaps big honour

A PORTARLINGTON man has had a Parkinson’s Victoria award named in his honour to formally recognise his and others’ selfless work in supporting the Parkinson’s community.

The Harold Waldron Carer’s Award was announced at the recent Parkinson’s Victoria annual general meeting, with Mr Waldron officially retiring from his leadership position thereafter.

Mr Waldron has been advocating for his local Parkinson’s community for more than 38 years, serving 31 as leader of the Geelong Parkinson’s Peer Support Group.

The 91-year-old spent much of his adulthood caring for his wife Margaret, who suffered from the incurable condition.

The couple attended the inaugural Geelong Parkinson’s Peer Support Group meeting in 1981, and Mr Waldron became leader in 1987.

Following his wife’s passing in 1999, his commitment to helping people affected by Parkinson’s never wavered and he remained in the group’s top position.

Mr Waldron said he had been connected to Parkinson’s for many years and that the friendships formed throughout this period were ongoing.

“I am very, very thankful that I have been able to help so many people.

“It gives you a nice feeling when you get a recently diagnosed person ring up and you spend sometimes 15, 20 minutes on the phone with them, trying to convince them that they can still carry on with their life for a long time.

“Parkinson’s is an insidious disease, and it affects everyone so differently. The only good thing about is, if you can call it a good thing, is that it’s not life threatening.”

Parkinson’s Victoria chief executive officer Emma Collin said Mr Waldron’s legacy was one of nobility, having won Parkinson’s Victoria’s highest honour – the Sir Zelman Cowen Award – in 2008, along with every other accolade he could achieve.

“Harold has received every honour we are able to award. His dedication and care for others is an example and inspiration to us all.”

The Harold Waldron Carer’s Award will recognise a family member or friend who has been touched by Parkinson’s and made a lasting difference to the Parkinson’s community, either through their voluntary leadership or support of one.

The maiden Harold Waldron Carer’s Award will be announced at next year’s Parkinson’s Victoria AGM.

Other Parkinson’s Victoria 2019 Recognition Awards received by Geelong and Bellarine residents include Richard Grimmett, Mike Atkinson, Louise and Paul Zajac and Kirsten George.