Ray Wegrzyn, a former Her Majesty's Inspector of Probation and tireless advocate for Parkinson's disease sufferers, has passed away at the age of 70. His remarkable life story is a testament to his enduring spirit and dedication to public service – qualities that left an indelible mark on those he met along the way.
Born in Victoria Park, Manchester, Mr Wegrzyn grew up in a challenging environment following the loss of his father at just three years old. Despite leaving school before completing his A-levels, he secured employment at the Cambrian Unit, a special school for autistic and disabled children, where he met his future wife, Dot Sansome. His professional journey began at 19 with the Greater Manchester Probation Service, working on their pioneering community service scheme. He went on to qualify as a probation officer and rise through the ranks, eventually overseeing Salford's entire probation division – managing over 90 staff.
Mr Wegrzyn's remarkable career was marked by his resilience in the face of adversity. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease just before his 40th birthday, he refused to let the condition define him. Instead, he continued working for another 16 years, retiring only when his health necessitated it in 2011. Post-retirement, he channelled his energy into founding Parkinson's Equip in 2013 – a charity providing grants for individuals with Parkinson's to participate in sports and arts, and championing dance as a therapeutic activity.
Mr Wegrzyn's commitment to raising awareness and supporting the Parkinson's community extended far beyond his charity work. He authored 'Out of Order' (2018), contributed to 'Chapter & Illuminating Verse' (2011) – a collection of poems about Parkinson's – and penned a children's book aimed at explaining the condition to younger audiences.
The remarkable events that punctuated Mr Wegrzyn's life include his 2019 heart attack in Glossop town centre, where he was resuscitated by a stranger who went on to become a close friend. This experience only served to underscore his remarkable resilience and dedication to life.