Elisabet was diagnosed in 1990. In 2006, she had deep brain stimulation which was successful and has improved her symptoms considerably.

• Parkinson's disease - DBS

Wendy was diagnosed in 2002. She has problems with balance and memory and a tremor in her right hand. Roprinirole controls her symptoms well.

• Parkinson's disease - 5-7 years since diagnosis

Tom was 27 when he was diagnosed. His medication includes levodopa. He experiences 'on' and 'off' periods most days. During the on period he may also have dyskinesia. He set up the Cure Parkinson's Trust.

• Parkinson's disease - 12+ years since diagnosis

Diagnosed in 2004, Steve takes Pramipexole. He has tremor in his right arm. He is a member of a running club and trains most days.

• Parkinson's disease - 0-2 years since diagnosis

Rex was diagnosed six years ago. His main symptom now is tremor in his right hand and he is still active and mobile.

• Parkinson's disease - 5-7 years since diagnosis

Diagnosed in 1992, Alan can't walk until he has taken his morning medication. He has ballroom dancing lessons once a week which keeps him fit and mobile.

• Parkinson's disease - 12+ years since diagnosis

Hassan has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Hassan was born in Pakistan but the family has relocated to the UK because he needs specialised medical care. With the help of his home tutor Hassan is writing a story about his experience of living with DMD. Hassan's message to other people living with a chronic condition is never to give up.

Lynn has lived with chronic pain for the last fourteen years. She experienced the pain before and during her periods. At first health professionals thought that she had endomietrosis. She had several exploratory tests and treatments, but she still does not have a clear diagnosis. She describes her condition as 'a chronic pelvic pain sufferer; or as a chronic lower pain sufferer with a black hole'.

Sara was diagnosed in 1990 with Juvenile chronic arthritis. She has had a finger tendon repair & a hip replacement. Current medication Anti-TNF Humira injected 2/month, indometacin, co-codamol & Lansoprazole. Says that with her current medication she has more energy to do things like exercise. She attended a Tai Chi course for people with arthritis and really enjoyed it.

Clint was infected with HIV at the age of 17 from a partner and, at the time he lacked any knowledge of HIV. Clint rapidly developed the symptoms of the AIDS defining illnesses. Although it was initially suspected he had cancer (a common kind of presentation for AIDS), he in fact had a positive HIV result.