Sir Billy Connolly declares he's 'not dead yet' as he gives update on Parkinson's battle
ok.co.ukSir Billy Connolly has emphatically stated he's "not yet dead or broken" as he relishes his retirement under the US sun while continuing to battle Parkinson's disease.The cherished Scottish comic, lovingly dubbed The Big Yin, is thankful for reaching 81, given his eventful life, and now enjoys drawing and fishing by his Florida Keys home.
In his new book, The Accidental Artist, Billy reflects on his luck to be alive after a rough childhood, alcohol struggles, and a risky time as a welder.
Despite battling Parkinson's disease, he remains upbeat, hinting that his shipyard days might have posed greater risks. He shares in his memoir: "I got diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and prostate cancer the same week.
I got treated for the cancer and now I seem to be OK.The Parkinson's just rumbles along, doing its thing. It bothered me for a while but when I think about it I suppose I'm lucky I didn't get something worse because I was a welder." He also talks about past ignorance of occupational dangers: "The diseases they talk about now due to welding weren't known about when I was in the shipyards.They didn't know about the hazards of asbestos.
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