Ewan Fleming, a respected 66-year-old resident of Alyth and a veteran with a distinguished military career, is facing one of his toughest challenges yet: a decade-long battle with Parkinson’s disease. As his condition continues to advance rapidly, his community in Perth and Kinross is rallying together to support his bid for a potentially life-altering medical procedure.
A former Sergeant Major, Ewan dedicated 34 years of his life to serving in the elite Parachute Regiment of the British Army. His service took him to various conflict zones, including operational tours in Northern Ireland, Iraq, and Afghanistan, demonstrating immense courage and commitment to his country. He was even featured as a young recruit in the well-known BBC documentary ‘The Paras,’ highlighting his early dedication. Reflecting on his extensive service, Ewan shared, “I had a fantastic time in the army and I would do it all again tomorrow if I could.”
However, civilian life brought new, unforeseen challenges. Just a year after retiring from the Army at 55, Ewan noticed an unsettling tremor in his left thumb – an early indicator of Parkinson’s disease. The diagnosis in 2015 marked the beginning of a progressive decline in his health, forcing him to give up his post-military career as an electrician. The loss of his independence, once a hallmark of his military training, has been a particularly difficult aspect of living with the disease.
Despite his personal struggles, Ewan remains an active and cherished member of the Perthshire community, currently serving as the chairperson for the Tayside Branch of the Parachute Regiment Association, a vital social hub for veterans based in Dundee. It is through this network that his long-time Army friend and group secretary, Eddie Geissler, initiated a crucial fundraising campaign. Eddie passionately stated, “He’s someone who has spent his life standing up for others, never asking for anything in return. Now, as he faces the toughest fight of his life, we have the chance – and the duty – to stand up for him.”
The target for this ambitious fundraiser is £85,000, the cost of a specialized procedure called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). This treatment offers a beacon of hope for Ewan, but the urgency is paramount. The swift progression of his Parkinson’s means that waiting for treatment through conventional NHS channels is not a viable option, making private intervention the only immediate path to potential relief.
Ewan bravely described the intricacies of the procedure, explaining, “They cut your skull open, drill two holes in it, put two probes in it, followed by a wire and a battery pack which gets put on your chest.” The impact, he believes, would be nothing short of miraculous. “It’ll cut that out [shaking]… It’ll just be a lot better for me, and I won’t have to take so many pills,” he elaborated. The surgery holds the promise of significant improvements to his daily life: “I might be able to drive again, might be able to walk without help, just be able to do normal things again.”
Already, the Perthshire community and beyond have shown incredible generosity, with over £11,000 raised through a GoFundMe page and significant contributions from esteemed armed forces charities like SSAFA and Support Our Paras. This initial surge of support has laid a vital foundation for Ewan’s journey towards regaining his independence.
Once the fundraising goal is achieved, Ewan plans to travel to London next year for the critical surgery. He is deeply touched by the outpouring of kindness. “It’s been truly amazing the help and support from people I don’t even know! It brings a smile to my face. Especially in this age when people are so poor, and someone gives me even £10 – it means so much,” he expressed with heartfelt gratitude.
The story of Ewan Fleming serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering support of the Perth and Kinross community. Residents are encouraged to join this vital cause, knowing that every contribution, regardless of size, brings this local hero closer to receiving the life-changing care he so desperately needs and deserves. Supporting Ewan is an opportunity for the community to show its appreciation for a veteran who has given so much, helping him reclaim a semblance of normalcy and dignity in the face of a challenging illness.
A former Sergeant Major, Ewan dedicated 34 years of his life to serving in the elite Parachute Regiment of the British Army. His service took him to various conflict zones, including operational tours in Northern Ireland, Iraq, and Afghanistan, demonstrating immense courage and commitment to his country. He was even featured as a young recruit in the well-known BBC documentary ‘The Paras,’ highlighting his early dedication. Reflecting on his extensive service, Ewan shared, “I had a fantastic time in the army and I would do it all again tomorrow if I could.”
However, civilian life brought new, unforeseen challenges. Just a year after retiring from the Army at 55, Ewan noticed an unsettling tremor in his left thumb – an early indicator of Parkinson’s disease. The diagnosis in 2015 marked the beginning of a progressive decline in his health, forcing him to give up his post-military career as an electrician. The loss of his independence, once a hallmark of his military training, has been a particularly difficult aspect of living with the disease.
Despite his personal struggles, Ewan remains an active and cherished member of the Perthshire community, currently serving as the chairperson for the Tayside Branch of the Parachute Regiment Association, a vital social hub for veterans based in Dundee. It is through this network that his long-time Army friend and group secretary, Eddie Geissler, initiated a crucial fundraising campaign. Eddie passionately stated, “He’s someone who has spent his life standing up for others, never asking for anything in return. Now, as he faces the toughest fight of his life, we have the chance – and the duty – to stand up for him.”
The target for this ambitious fundraiser is £85,000, the cost of a specialized procedure called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). This treatment offers a beacon of hope for Ewan, but the urgency is paramount. The swift progression of his Parkinson’s means that waiting for treatment through conventional NHS channels is not a viable option, making private intervention the only immediate path to potential relief.
Ewan bravely described the intricacies of the procedure, explaining, “They cut your skull open, drill two holes in it, put two probes in it, followed by a wire and a battery pack which gets put on your chest.” The impact, he believes, would be nothing short of miraculous. “It’ll cut that out [shaking]… It’ll just be a lot better for me, and I won’t have to take so many pills,” he elaborated. The surgery holds the promise of significant improvements to his daily life: “I might be able to drive again, might be able to walk without help, just be able to do normal things again.”
Already, the Perthshire community and beyond have shown incredible generosity, with over £11,000 raised through a GoFundMe page and significant contributions from esteemed armed forces charities like SSAFA and Support Our Paras. This initial surge of support has laid a vital foundation for Ewan’s journey towards regaining his independence.
Once the fundraising goal is achieved, Ewan plans to travel to London next year for the critical surgery. He is deeply touched by the outpouring of kindness. “It’s been truly amazing the help and support from people I don’t even know! It brings a smile to my face. Especially in this age when people are so poor, and someone gives me even £10 – it means so much,” he expressed with heartfelt gratitude.
The story of Ewan Fleming serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering support of the Perth and Kinross community. Residents are encouraged to join this vital cause, knowing that every contribution, regardless of size, brings this local hero closer to receiving the life-changing care he so desperately needs and deserves. Supporting Ewan is an opportunity for the community to show its appreciation for a veteran who has given so much, helping him reclaim a semblance of normalcy and dignity in the face of a challenging illness.