Parkinson's disease and its losing battle to stop Chris Hamper climbing

About the documentary

The Parkinsons Project follows climber and teacher, Chris Hamper, as he navigates his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

His Parkinson's diagnosis has forced him to redefine his passion for climbing. His tremor makes tying knots and clipping gear difficult; his lack of dopamine reduces the reward and motivation process, forcing Chris to find new ways to stay inspired. And yet, once he is on the rock, climbing appears to be one of the very few activities that minimise his symptoms.

Now, eight years after his diagnosis, Chris is potentially coming to the end of the “honeymoon” period of his Parkinson’s. This means he could start to see the effects of the disease more acutely, including the impact it may have on his ability to continue climbing. Knowing this, Chris has taken early retirement from teaching to climb as much as possible around his home in Norway and with friends in Sheffield.

Watch the full film on demand now

www.theparkinsonsprojectfilm.vhx.tv

Watch the trailer

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Testimonials

  • 'There's more to climbing than climbing rocks' and 'as soon as you've conceived that it's possible, you've kind of won anyway' - two quotes that will stay with me from the film. A beautiful film that shows the reality and optimism of living a climbing life with progressive Parkinson's disease, with a storytelling finesse that meant I didn't take my eyes off the screen once whilst watching.

    Frit Tam, SHAFF judge

  • If ever the search for resilience should end, it is here. Any diagnosis can make us feel the future might stop. This film taught me that out of what we have left, by looking at it and responding to it, with modesty, through the body and the mind, we have some control. What emerges is what we are still full of - friendship and boulders - not a broken body. This was the most psychologically inspiring film and a poetic reflection on being human, on all levels, not just our vulnerabilities.

    Dr Saima Masud, Consultant Clinical Psychologist

  • "Wow. What a film. I was captivated through out. It is beautifully filmed and truly captures the essence of a character that is universally inspiring. Amazing."

    Ben Cannon, Kendal Mountain Festival

  • One of the best climbing films in years. I'm finding it hard to rationalise how it can be so incredibly sad, but so incredibly life affirming at the same time. A very powerful film.

    CrowdFunder Screening

  • Inspiring, beautiful film about a great climber still tryng while while suffering from Parkinsons.

    Paul Hodgson, Music Judge, SHAFF