Social media users within Parkinson’s community and beyond, led by BBC journalist Jeremy Vine, have reacted to the death of The Cure Parkinson’s Trust co-founder Tom Isaacs
Emotional outpourings from social media users and Parkinson’s organisations have been published around the world in response to the news that Tom Isaacs, co-founder of The Cure Parkinson’s Trust, died on Wednesday 31 May.
Not long after the news broke, members of Parkinson’s community took to Twitter to pay their respects.
BBC Radio 2 journalist Jeremy Vine led the way, hailing the significance of the “beautiful” Parkinson’s campaigner.
Terrible news – we've lost the UK's most forceful campaigner on #Parkinsons, a beautiful man,
Tom Isaacs #RIPhttps://t.co/lmAH8iz1go— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) June 1, 2017
Parkinson’s UK CEO Steve Ford said it was a “very sad day” and described Isaacs as “such an inspiration”.
Such a sad day. Tom was such an inspiration to Parkinson's community. Thoughts are with everyone at @CureParkinsonsT https://t.co/DEFxvkDzoj
— Steve Ford (@SteveGFord) June 1, 2017
The Michael J Fox foundation spoke of the loss Parkinson’s community had experienced.
We join the Parkinson’s community in mourning the loss of Tom Isaacs, President of The Cure Parkinson's Trust. https://t.co/c6ByzZBuZR
— michaeljfox.org (@MichaelJFoxOrg) June 2, 2017
Ann Hanley, founder of the Ann Hanley Parkinson’s Research Fund, revealed that it was Tom Isaacs who inspired her to start her own Parkinson’s organisation.
Ann said: “I am so devastated by the news. Tom was my friend and inspiration. He inspired me to start my own foundation.
“He was a giant among men, a visionary, a dreamer, a man who never gave up, who never quit. He made me laugh and was ever the optimist. I thank God for the privilege of knowing Tom and though saddened by his early demise, he will forever be with me in my thoughts and prayers as I continue to dedicate my life to our common cause.”
The British and Irish Lions, who hosted a charity dinner for The Cure Parkinson’s Trust in April, passed on a message of support.
The British & Irish Lions are very sad to hear the passing of the inspirational Tom Isaacs. https://t.co/e3acUAhKo7
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 1, 2017
Twitter user Sara Houston commented on how important Isaacs had been in taking forward research into Parkinson’s disease.
Tom Isaacs was such a generous and inspiring man. He did much to influence grassroots and research action for #Parkinsons https://t.co/YAtV1Iq6cd
— Prof. Sara Houston (@SaraPMHouston) June 1, 2017
Lisa Vanderberg shared her devastation at the news, describing him as a “generous and inspiring man”.
I'm devastated. This wonderful man of such drive, grace and humor leaves an enormous wake of grief behind him. RIP https://t.co/hTQkQG8QoI
— Lisa Vanderburg (@PDDBSWife) June 2, 2017