Jo Yaldren, Author, Blog, Parkinsons advocacy

Tackling Adversity, Embracing Change

I'm Jo & I'm passionate about raising awareness of Parkinson's and Young Onset Parkinson's through sharing my experiences and unique perspective. If you're interested in learning more about me or booking a session, please feel free to get in touch.

Speaking, Advocacy & More.

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My work with

parkinsons

Raising awareness is my passion. I collaborate with charities, medical professionals, and advocacy groups to share real-life experiences, drive change, and support those living with Parkinson’s.

Inspirational

speaking

I share my journey with Parkinson’s to inspire resilience, adaptability, and positivity. My talks help businesses, teams, and communities embrace change and find strength in challenges.

Podcasts

I bring honest, thought-provoking discussions to podcasts and media platforms, sharing insights on resilience, mindset, and living with Parkinson’s. Let’s start a conversation that matters.

Consultations

Need tailored advice or collaboration? I work with organisations on accessibility, awareness campaigns, and creative projects that make a difference. Let’s create something impactful together.

Welcome to my website. Here, you will get a glimpse into who I am and some of the advocacy activities I have have been involved in since being diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2015.

I'm passionate about raising awareness of Parkinson's and Young Onset Parkinson's through sharing my experiences and unique perspective. Whether it's through a keynote speech or an after-dinner talk, I am available provide inspitration and valuable insights into living with a chronic condition.

If you're interested in learning more about me or booking a session, please feel free to reach out via email. Follow my journey on my socials below:

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read
bio

News & Upcoming events.

Patient Advisory Board

I'm an active member of the Boston Scientific Patient Advisory Board. Boston Scientific were the makers of the DBS device I had...

Alumni Volunteer of the year award 2024

As a graduate of Teesside University (MA Education, 2013), Jo continues to volunteer her time to support the BSc Hons Adult Nursing...

2 Parkies in a Pod

In the run up to International Women's Day, 2025, Dave Clark and Kuhan invited me to join their panel to discuss the issues surrounding...

Thanks to @carlysimonhq for your courage.
#parkinsons #yopd #earlyonsetparkinsons

Parkinsons is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. There are over 40 symptoms. None of them fun.
Not all symptoms are visible.
Not all symptoms are consistent. #deepbrainstimulation #dbs, medication and exercise helps but currently there's no cure.

A pilgrimage to #salfordladsclub after @johnnymarrgram gig last night. Utterly brilliant to share the night with such gorgeous company!
#theresalightthatnevergoesout

Part 3
Feeling grateful for the software update for my #deepbrainstimulation device. This is what AI can do.
Programme 3 is helping my face feel more like mine! AMAZING!
Thanks to @bostonsci_emea, @nhsengland and @saltburnandy

Part 2 of #deepbrainstimulation programme update for my #parkinsons.
I'll update later to show progress (if any)

Part 1

Updating my #deepbrainstimulation programme settings to help manage the worst of my #parkinsons symptoms.

Thanks to the brilliant humans at @bostonsci_emea for continuing to improve things for those of us with #dbs

Well, my jesting wasn't too far off the mark! I'll definitely be watching storms from a safe place from now on 🌩⚡️⛈️
Thanks to @ros.fernandez.1 for sending the article to me 💕

Is it just me that has these random thoughts about life with #parkinsons and #deepbrainstimulation?

Diagnosed with #parkinsons 11 years ago. A degenerative neurological condition with no cure (yet). Motor and non motor symptoms present niche and individual challenges to everyone dealing with this shitshow. Whatever challenges you're facing; whatever your own shitshow (parkinsons or not!); please know you're not alone. Please keep going! You matter!

My lovely husband @saltburnandy contacted @markinthepark21 as he knew I was sad to miss @worldpdcongress. #wpc2026 is an event that takes place every 3 years, where the #parkinsons world meets.
Its been great to see the incredible energy of the event and the sense of collaboration and community.
Difficult to not be part of it, but that's the nature of #parkinsons. Despite my positive progress with #DBS, I still find travel and fatigue a challenge. I spent most of Sunday being sick so was bloody grateful to be at home!
Thanks to all the brilliant humans trying to help find a cure for this utter shitshow of a condition 🙌

Whilst the world is busy around me I will mostly be resting today...

Sending big love to everyone heading to Phoenix for @worldpdcongress #wpc2026
Im gutted I won't be there.

Also good luck @theboroofficial in today's play off at Wembley! #UTB

Finally well done to @aritanderson and @parkinsonsuk for the incredible show garden at @rhschelsea. What an epic job!

#totesemosh after #DBS reprogramming this morning.
Thank you @bostonsci_emea @bostonsci for the #Illumina3D software update!
#Parkinsons symptoms are already improving but need a nap!
Thanks @nhsengland

This video was 6 years ago
I've done my best to raise awareness.
Still no cure for #parkinsons
Despite improvement with #deepbrainstimulation my body is failing me.
I truly miss being able to talk without it exhausting me.
Sorry beyond sorry to @saltburnandy for keeping you awake with my nightmares.
Losing my sense of smell is the latest of a potential 40 plus symptoms to arrive.
It's a #shitshow
Grateful that im still independent and for the bits of me that still work!

Trying to stop my #parkinsons symptoms getting worse is equivocal to trying to stop the tide.

Life is absolutely getting tougher, but there's still so much to be grateful for.

Amazing friends
Hot husband
Epic family
The beach
Art
People who knit
Toast with salted butter
Waving to people on trains

What are you grateful for?

📷 @marjwilsonmj

This was a brilliant fundraiser for Parkinson’s. Fun, inclusive and no running required 😆
It was 6 years ago!
#wherehasthetimegone
Should we have another #silentdisco? Anyone?

#worstchoirever
#parkinsons
#blueparty

This is why I've shared and continue to share my #parkinsons journey;
I get messages from all over the world from people who feel marginally less alone when they find me.
Please feel free to share my posts
You never know who might need to see them 🙌

My friend gave me this plant before she died. Ive tried to look after it, like she nurtured me. Just look at what's happened......
I didn't even know it could blossom!

#plantsihavenotkilled
#loveyourfriends
#bekindtoyourself
#gratitude

#Parkinsons

These pictures are taken about 12 hours apart.
Different Symptoms causing me problems in both!

It's hard to live with and to ask for help.

The sunflower lanyard helps enormously when travelling.

@sunflowerlanyardscheme

I highly recommend!

A very productive meeting with @mcconkels to work on our latest #parkinsons film project sponsored by @bostonsci_emea
My worsening symptoms have made it challenging at times but it's something im proud of being involved with.
The films will hopefully raise awareness of parkinsons and some of the epic humans who have been central to my own journey
Thank you @paolo_rebora for your kindness

Obsessive-compulsive? Me?

#livingwithparkinsons

Thank you @sarah.ross.27, @saksguishairandbeauty and @saltburnandy xx̌xx

#livingwithparkinsons
#shitshow
#orthostatichypotension

Who wore it best? 🤣🤣🤣
Only 2 of these were intentional!
Seriously!
Hope you enjoy ✨️

#whoworeitbest
#livingwithparkinsons
#parkinsonsawarenessmonth

#deepbrainstimulation is not a cure, but it does help to improve the worst of my #parkinsons motor symptoms. The pulse generator in my chest needs regular charging to keep it going.
The pulse generator is connected to the electrodes in my brain by a wire that runs down my neck. Clever tech, but a cure would be better!

#borgqueen
#resistanceisfutile

Treasure!

#seaglass
#beachliving
#gratitude

#parkinsonsawarenessmonth
#livingwithparkinsons
#fuckyouparkinsons
#parkinsons
#shitshow

Spring has sprung!

#cherryblossom🌸
#fairydoor

Where does the time go?

Some of my new followers might be interested in this video of me just 4 weeks post #deepbrainstimulation surgery.

At the time I didn't share that my marriage had come to an end and I was moving house.

It was not an easy time.

Life is funny though. Nearly 4 years later Im remarried to the love of my life. The DBS has been really helpful in managing some of my symptoms and against all the odds I'm happy.

Life is not a drill. Seek out the good stuff. Be kind and keep going. Whatever shitshow you're facing, you've got this! Xxx

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Tackling Adversity, Embracing Change

Speaking, Advocacy & More.

Hi, I'm jo

read
bio

News & Upcoming events.

Patient Advisory Board

Alumni Volunteer of the year award 2024

2 Parkies in a Pod

Follow us on Instagram

FOLLOW ME.

get in touch.

SUBSCRIBE.

Tackling Adversity, Embracing Change

Speaking, Advocacy & More.

Hi, I'm jo

read bio

News & Upcoming events.

Patient Advisory Board

Alumni Volunteer of the year award 2024

2 Parkies in a Pod

​

Follow us on Instagram

FOLLOW ME.

get in touch.

SUBSCRIBE.

read
bio