Ronan Coyle was 24 years old, studying in Derry's Magee campus when he first started getting symptoms of Parkinson's.
Due to his young age, it took several years before he was officially diagnosed and given medication.
Now at 40, Ronan is about to represent his country at the Parkinson's Four Nations Golf Tournament.
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Ronan spoke to MyDerry about his journey since his Parkinson's diagnosis.
He said: "My handwriting got really slow and small and I was struggling to write anything. My walking was a bit funny then and I knew something was wrong. I went to the doctor and he referred me to a neurologist. I was told I had a benign tremor.
"After a couple of years I went back with the same thing and was still told the same thing. When I was 30 I went back to a neurologist and as soon as I walked in he said you have Parkinson's. I was not expecting it at all. He gave me medication which helped my writing improve.
"I do think it was because I was so young that it took years to diagnose me. I googled my symptoms which matched with Parkinson's but they did not think it initially was Parkinsons because I was so young.
"I, like many people, assumed it was an older person's condition. When I was first diagnosed I told my family and some close friends but I did not want people to know, I was ashamed and embarrassed. After some time I realised it was better for people to know."
Despite his diagnosis, Ronan keeps an active lifestyle and stressed to MyDerry the importance of exercise in the suppression of his symptoms and for his wellbeing.
He said: "I started playing squash, going to the gym every day, and swimming. It helps so much, sometimes I’m not bothered but I feel so much better afterwards.
"If I did not go to the gym for a couple of days I would feel really stiff and I would feel it in my bones and joints. If you do exercise every day the symptoms are definitely not as prevalent. I would advise if someone has symptoms of Parkinson's or any other neurological condition, if you can, get out and be active and exercise. It helps physically and mentally."
Ronan was told about the Parkinson's Association within the golfing community, and was then invited to represent Ireland at the Parkinsons Four Nations Golf Tournament.
He said: "I’m looking forward to it, it is an iconic golf course. My wife Elena is coming over with me and has been a massive support the entire time.
"It is a great chance to represent Ireland as well, I never thought I would have the chance to represent my country. There should be a great buzz around it. I never thought an opportunity like this would come my way and to do it in something I love, it is a great experience."
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