Former England spinner Shaun Udal says "You've got to make the most of every good day" while living with Parkinson's disease.
The ex-England spinner had suffered a serious fall down a flight of 16 stairs at his office and was being rushed to the hospital wearing a neck brace. Paramedics had to cut away his clothes in order to provide emergency medical treatment.
Prior to the accident, Udal had been experiencing ongoing health problems, including a loss of dexterity in his fingers and difficulty tying his shoelaces. It was suspected that his recent issues may have been related to a previous neck operation he underwent several years ago.
After being hospitalized, Udal received a brief letter informing him that his symptoms indicated the beginning of Parkinson's disease. This news was overwhelming, especially considering he was only a month away from turning 50. The following months were challenging as he tried to accept his diagnosis and adjust to the new reality of living with a progressive neurological condition for which there is no cure.
When he experienced his first bad night due to Parkinson's, former cricketer Shaun Udal found himself struggling to get out of bed and move properly. Simple tasks like going to the bathroom, dressing himself, and maintaining his balance became challenging, leading to frustrations that he sometimes took out on those closest to him. Despite his successful cricket career, Udal's struggles with Parkinson's have presented significant challenges in his daily life.
Despite his late start in international cricket, Udal's performances for Hampshire caught the attention of selectors and earned him call-ups for tours of Pakistan and India. Making his Test debut at the age of 36, he made a significant impact by taking 4-14 in the final innings of a match in Mumbai, helping England secure a series-equalling victory. However, just as his cricket career was taking off, Udal faced a series of personal losses, including the death of his mentor Shane Warne in 2022, as well as the passing of both his parents within 18 months. To add to his challenges, crucial muscle therapies were suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Udal described how facing challenges can often make you feel like the world is against you, but it's important to push through. Despite tough and dark days, he learned to cope with the situation and found that the bad days weren't as overwhelming as before. He emphasized the importance of cherishing the good days and having a strong support system to help maintain a positive mindset. He also acknowledged the impact that his struggles had on the people around him, showing the value of leaning on others during difficult times.
Part of the support that Udal receives comes from his ongoing participation in sports. Now 55 years old and five years post-diagnosis, staying active is essential to Udal's daily life. He has raised funds for Sport Parkinson's, an organization that aims to support individuals by promoting continued participation in sports, such as walking football, golf, and table tennis. Udal believes that staying active is crucial for preventing muscle stiffness and maintaining overall health.