The price of Parkinson's - my TV and press coverage
Since being diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2007 I have featured in a Channel 4 documentary and in June 2017 I will feature in my second; a BBC2 production covering the ground breaking trial I have been part of.
Whilst I am proud of all of the coverage I have received over the years, as it had raised awareness of the condition, it's far to say much of it was sensationalised and focussed on the side effects of Parkinson's treatment rather than me as a Parkinson's sufferer.
Press coverage is a double edged sword; it brings awareness and therefore more funding and trials and hopefully one day the much longed for cure. But it is also intrusive on a personal level; it isn't all photoshoots and makeovers; my partner and sons bore the brunt of the publicity which took over our lives in 2011.
I was unprepared for the onslaught of interest in my life and especially at a time when I was trying to balance being a mum, nurse and Parkinson's sufferer.
I know that when the BBC2 documentary airs in summer 2017 it will all go crazy again and this time I'm ready and looking forward to it.
Not only am I an older, wiser and tougher Parkie's cookie but I know that a cure is within reach and I'll take every bit of press, good or bad, to make that cure a reality.
READ MY PRESS COVERAGE
You can read my press coverage via the blog by simply searching for all blogs with the tag 'Press coverage.'
INTERVIEWING VICKI
If you would like to interview me please contact me via the blog.
I consider all requests so please provide a brief overview of the theme of your interview/article.
Now that I am medically retired I do sometimes charge a fee to generate an income; if you have a standard fee payable for your publication please state them on your brief.