### The Unexpected Sign That Changed a Life: Gareth Evans’s Journey with Parkinson’s
When Gareth Evans, a keen sportsman and long-serving carpenter from Cardiff, began detecting the scent of burnt toast when none was present, he shrugged it off as an odd quirk. However, this seemingly innocuous sensory hallucination was an early clue to a much more serious and life-altering diagnosis. Looking back, Gareth, now 57, believes he unknowingly lived with Parkinson’s disease for as much as a decade before his condition was formally identified.
Gareth’s life had largely been one of physical vigor and good cheer, rooted in his passion for rugby and his fulfilling career at the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Yet, as he entered his mid-40s, subtle changes began to creep in. Feelings of unexplained sadness started to cloud his daily routines, and spontaneous episodes of crying would catch him off-guard at work. These symptoms, although distressing, offered no easy explanation or relief. He confided, “Depression set in, but I didn’t understand it. I’d come home and cry in the shower, all the while masking my struggles from those around me.” Gareth’s story highlights the frequently overlooked mental health components intertwined with neurological diseases.
Physical symptoms soon followed. Gareth recalls the moment at work when he noticed persistent twitching in his left forearm, a sign impossible to ignore. Encouraged by a colleague to seek advice, he visited his GP and was quickly referred to a neurological specialist. It was on 21 September 2018 that Gareth finally received the diagnosis that would reframe his understanding of the past decade: Parkinson’s disease. The revelation was overwhelming. “I cried like a baby,” he admitted, as the pieces of his puzzling experience finally snapped into place.
The impacts of Parkinson’s, an incurable neurological disorder affecting nearly 8,300 people in Wales alone, touch every aspect of daily life. While many recognise the motor symptoms—tremors, muscle stiffness, and slowed movements—less attention is given to “non-motor” symptoms. For Gareth, depression was the first harbinger, often more disabling than the movement problems that came later. His experience echoes that of many who live with this progressive condition, where non-physical symptoms can strike a devastating blow.
Parkinson’s is caused by a loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, which in turn disrupts the complex coordination of movement and mood regulation. The mysterious phenomenon of smelling burnt toast—known medically as phantosmia—can be an early warning sign for some. Other hidden symptoms, such as insomnia and digestive problems, can be equally disruptive. Yet despite the very real challenges, Gareth has worked hard to adjust his approach to life. “It took time, but I’ve learned not to let it get to me,” he said. He describes adapting to new physical limitations, such as being stuck in a rainy field for nearly an hour, unable to move after forgetting his medication.
Gareth’s journey did not end with his diagnosis. With early retirement recommended for his health, he initially struggled to come to terms with the abrupt change. The sense of purpose he drew from his professional role and team sports left a void. “Retirement felt bleak at first. I’d sit gazing out at the rain, wondering if this was all that was left,” he recounted. However, his resilient spirit soon found new outlets for fulfilment. Taking up painting during sleepless nights brought unexpected peace, and he found that the concentration required for painting by numbers remarkably subdued his tremors.
Using his experience for good, Gareth has emerged as a mentor within the Parkinson’s community, offering support to others newly diagnosed. Through charity events, sponsored activities such as head shaves, and fundraising rugby matches, he has raised thousands of pounds for Parkinson’s charities. “I’ll always help, every chance I get,” he insists, crediting his ability to give back as a crucial source of positivity.
Yet, Gareth’s story also contains a cautionary note on the importance of public awareness. He recalls a sobering incident in Cardiff city centre when, in the midst of severe symptoms, he was mistaken for being intoxicated and dismissed by a passer-by. Gareth urges others to be understanding, noting, “When you see someone acting a little differently, remember there could be a medical reason.”
Through it all, Gareth’s family remains his bedrock: “My wife keeps me motivated. My children and grandchildren bring joy and purpose to my days.” The support from loved ones, friends, and the wider community has given him the strength to continue embracing life in the face of adversity.
As Gareth encourages conversations about the realities of Parkinson’s and works tirelessly to raise funds and awareness, his journey serves as a reminder that even the most unexpected symptoms—like the elusive scent of burnt toast—can be the first chapter in a much bigger story. For more information on Parkinson’s disease, resources and support services can be accessed through Parkinson’s UK.