EXCLUSIVE
One of Australia’s most prominent TV finance gurus has revealed he is battling Parkinson’s disease.
Craig James, the chief economist at CommSec, has appeared in finance updates from breakfast TV to the evening news for two decades – making him one of the most quoted experts in the Australian media.
But the respected 62-year-old commentator is now facing his biggest challenge yet as he battles the cruel uncertainty wrought by Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system that cruelly robs someone of their bodily functions, known for causing shaking, stiffness and difficulty with balance.
The married father-of-three told friends and colleagues of his diagnosis about a month ago, as he took sick leave from CommSec and disappeared from his regular gigs on television.
‘I felt that now was the right time to share this (news) more broadly,’ he posted to LinkedIn.
‘I have remarkable doctors, the love and support of my family – most notably the rock that is my wife Karen – my solid faith in God and the total support of my CommSec family.’
Mr James, who is so passionate about physical fitness he once featured in Men’s Health magazine as one of their top six ‘everyday men’, has turned to powerlifting as part of his treatment.
Craig James, one of Australia’s most prominent TV finance gurus, has revealed he is battling Parkinson’s disease. Above, Mr James is on Sunrise with former host David Koch
Craig James, the chief economist at CommSec, has for decades appeared in finance updates from breakfast TV to the evening news – making him one of the most quoted experts in the Australian media (he is pictured with his wife Karen)
Mr James said he is taking on the disease with vigour, focusing on his exercise, diet, sleep and treatment.
‘It is difficult to stay ahead of something that is so unpredictable in its progression,’ he said.
‘In terms of exercise, I have embraced powerlifting. The idea being that stronger muscles will assist with mobility.’
Mr James also revealed that despite his battle, he recently won the Australian championships in the weight division for his age group.
The Sydney-based economist, who is now on sick leave, has also revealed he would have to undergo speech therapy.
‘On medication and treatment, my health professionals have provided much appreciated guidance,’ he said.
‘Medication continues to be tweaked.
‘I have started speech therapy and also have begun programs addressing mental health.’
Parkinson’s disease often leaves sufferers feeling ill on a daily basis.
‘Any progress, while pleasing, is slow. Still, I need to be encouraged by my endeavours. The journey is ongoing,’ he said.
Actor Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with the disease aged 29 in 1991 and still lives with the condition.
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali battled it for three decades before dying of septic shock, aged 74 in 2016, while former ABC Four Corners and Media Watch host Liz Jackson died, aged 67, in 2018 just two years after going public.
Mr James’s LinkedIn post elicited a flood of sympathy – prompting the economist to thank well wishers.
‘The reaction and support truly humbled me,’ he said.
One man said that by going public, he had helped others.
‘Craig, there are so many who appreciate your guts in telling your story and especially those facing their own battles who will take great comfort from your post,’ he said.
Another LinkedIn follower praised him for revealing his personal health battle.
‘I admire your vulnerability in sharing your story and enthusiasm with everything you’re doing to slow progression,’ the woman said.
Mr James is so passionate about health and fitness he was named one of Men’s Health magazine’s top six everyday men
Mr James participates in a running race, above
Another described him as a ‘truly amazing human’.
‘So sorry you’re going through this. I can only imagine how mentally tough this would be,’ he said.
Mr James completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Economics at the University of New South Wales in 1984, before doing a Masters degree in 1988.
He was an economist at the old State Bank of NSW in the 1980s and 1990s before becoming the chief economist at the Commonwealth Bank’s share trading arm, Commonwealth Securities or CommSec, in August 2000.
During the start of the pandemic in 2020, he correctly forecast a quick share market recovery, noting the slump was because of lockdowns and not a credit crunch.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .