Andrea Stott, 35, of Low Street, was diagnosed with the disease a year ago and said simple tasks many of us take for granted, such as brushing your teeth, walking and even talking, can often become extremely difficult.

But the mum of two has vowed to draw strength from her weakness and has organised a special craft fair next month to help raise money for the Parkinson's Disease Society.

"I just want to do something positive because there is so much negativity in my life at the moment," she said.

"Parkinson's is usually associated with people in their 60s and there's relatively little support out there for younger people who have it."

"I also want to raise awareness and support for this."

Andrea was only 34 when she was officially diagnosed with Parkinson's, but said she had been experiencing symptoms of the disease since her early 20s, which doctors put down to other illnesses – including a brain tumour.

"In one way it was a relief to hear I didn't have a brain tumour and was going to live – very important as I have two children."

"But it was also a big shock. I thought things would improve after that, but the medication has some awful side effects."

As well as having to cope with tremors in her right leg and arm, Andrea also has to put up with difficult side-effects such as confusion, insomnia, severe nausea and exhaustion.

"It comes in extremes," she said. "I find that my feelings of confusion are worse when my physical symptoms are okay – and vice versa."

"But I find making cards really helps me when I am in severe pain."

Andrea said she has found it hard to give up playing an active role in the community, but added that her family – husband Pablo, son Ben, 14 and daughter Isabel, five – had made a huge difference to her state of mind.

"I used to be involved in a lot of things, from being treasurer for the scouts to being on the PTA, but I have had to give that up," she said.

"I have found some support through a Parkinson's website, but there's not much out there for people my age and that's why I want to raise awareness about the disease."

"My family has been amazing. Isabel found it hard at first, so we called the disease 'Michael' to separate her from the illness, which has helped," she added.

"And my husband has been a brick. I don't know how I would have managed without him. He makes me feel special every day."

Gill West, East Midlands manager for the Parkinson's Disease Society, praised Andrea's determination to face the disease positively and wished her all the best with her craft fair.

Call the freephone Helpline on 0808 800 0303 for further information or check out the forum at www.parkinsons.org.uk

l Andrea's craft fair will be held at Elkesley Village Hall, High Street, from 1-4pm on Sunday 6th July.