First-year Bachelor of Nursing student Becky Pillidge with her award and husband James. Photo: Supplied.
A University of Canberra (UC) nursing student inspired by her father’s battle with Parkinson’s disease has won a grant enabling her to help others impacted by the illness.
Becky Pillidge, 30, is the 2024 recipient of the Alan Richardson Scholarship named in honour of a Canberra public servant who passed away in 2017 at age 73 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
The first-year Bachelor of Nursing student will receive $1500 to support her development and advancements in care for Parkinson’s.
“My dad got diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 11 years ago. We thought he had something muscular wrong with him. The disease manifests as a loss of control of movement and he was struggling to walk. That was hard for him as he loved hiking,” Ms Pillidge said.
“When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, we were all taken aback.
“There were a lot of questions I had as a daughter. The outcome is not to cure, it’s to manage symptoms, which is quite daunting. I’d love to be the support for others who have been through what we went through.”
Ms Pillidge said her father’s experience showed there was hope for those diagnosed with the illness.
“During COVID, my dad became quite isolated, they struggled to get him medication while supply chains were impacted. But they were later able to change his medication and he was provided with both lifestyle and community support. He’s now working without a limp and is far more active.”
Becky Pillidge speaks about her father’s battle as she accepts her award. Photo: University of Canberra.
UC delivered the scholarship in partnership with The Hospital Research Foundation Group. Mr Richardson’s wife, Annette, presented the award to Ms Pillidge.
Accepting the scholarship, Ms Pillidge said her lifelong fascination with the brain and human body led to her interest in neurological nursing.
“This career path allows me to combine my curiosities with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” she said. “It was an honour and a surprise to be given a scholarship in my first year.
“The main benefit of this scholarship is the connections and opportunities that come with it. I’ve been able to meet with the nurses and professors in the award ceremony, it can help me form a pathway. I’d like to use the funding to help me with travel to a placement, or workshops and conferences to expand my knowledge.
“I’d like to express my thanks to Annette, the UC and to the research foundation group, who do so much great work.”
Ms Pillidge grew up in the UK and moved to Australia nine years ago.
“My mum was a wonderful nurse but I tried a few other things before I started in this field,” she said. “I’ve just come out of a 10-year career in the fitness industry.”
She advised those currently completing Year 12 to also try different career opportunities.
“I was a perfectionist and I put a lot of pressure on myself to commit to one thing. The advice I’d give to those younger than me is to try something new. If it’s right for you, that’s great. But it’s OK to not know what you want to do. Most adults I know are still figuring out what they want to do in life.”
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