Poetry collection to raise funds for Parkinson's research

Author Miller Caldwell, whose latest book will raise money for research into Parkinson’s Disease.

Miller Caldwell has published more than 31 books since his first almost 20 years ago which he started after retiring from work following a diagnosis of MCI – mild cognitive impairment.

He grew up in the town as a ‘son of the manse’ and, after completing his education, pursued a career with humanitarian organisations in different parts of the world, including Ghana and Pakistan.

His initial diagnosis forced his retirement and he turned his hand to writing instead.

Miller’s latest work, ‘Penned Poetry for Parkinson’s Research’, is a collection of poems from a host of international and award-winning poets all around the world – apt, as he is a direct descendant of Scotland’s national Bard, Robert Burns.

And its publication was, literally, a dream process for both him and his contributors.

Miller said: "I was diagnosed with Parkinson's just over a year ago and I went online to read about Parkinson's and I was fascinated to see there was so much help there.

"The year before I started to write about dementia in a dream net, because I'm one of five of the world's population who can remember their dreams and write them down. So I wrote them down and told my wife and she thought they were great.

"So I put them in a book form and then contacted my Dutch friend and wondered if she had a dream and she splattered me with international poets all over the world who shared their dreams.

"When I got Parkinson's I contacted her again and asked if the poets could send me four poems each and that's how ‘Penned Poetry for Parkinson's Research’ was created.”

Jan Mattison, Parkinson’s UK's regional fundraiser for west of Scotland, welcomed the book which, she said, taps into a sector of the Parkinson’s community.

She said said: “There are a number of creative poets within the Parkinson’s community and we’re delighted to see a poetry book published in aid of research.

“We’d like to thank Miller for donating the proceeds to fund research and give people with Parkinson’s and their families hope for the future.”