Pete Coles: Challenger
For Challenger, Pete Coles, he’s all too familiar with the words ‘play again’. He’s consistently faced and triumphed over various life challenges—from relocating to Australia, receiving his Parkinson’s diagnosis to thriving in his role at MSWA. His determination to rise above obstacles is just another opportunity for him to level up.
In the 1970s, young Pete was outside a local shop in Hampshire, England, and stumbled upon a foreign machine. His eyes lit up as they darted left and right, following a green shooter as it fired at pixelated ‘aliens.’ The game that enamoured him was the arcade classic, Space Invaders. This marked the beginning of Pete’s love for video games, which has since grown into an impressive collection of games and consoles. His love for gaming continues throughout his life, fuelling his inquisitive and curious nature. It was likely this same curiosity that led him to leave England and explore new horizons.
Looking to escape the cold, Pete visited his local travel agent in 1997, with a simple question, “I have 1,000 pounds, where can I go?”
With just a suitcase in hand, Pete arrived in Sydney where he stayed at Manly Beach and instantly fell in love with the coastal lifestyle Australia has to offer, and he thought ‘this is the life!’
After many attempts (and money he remarked), he came back to the land of Oz and even manage to secure his first job as a therapist working in aged care. Not long after, Pete began to miss working in the disability sector, one that he considers his bread and better.
I think caring for someone is a privilege. I’ve always enjoyed serving people.”
“My brother, Gareth is what drew me into the disability sector. Gareth is slightly younger than me and has a disability.”
“I saw the attitudes and values of what people put on those with disabilities in the 70s and 80s. I thought, ‘Bugger this, I’m going to change that!’ Gareth has ‘ability’, forget about the ‘dis.”
Pete lived in Sydney for more than a decade before meeting the love of his life, Kristy. Together, they relocated to Cairns and eventually settled in Perth three years ago. He heard about the beautiful Western Australian landscape from Kristy, who was raised in Busselton, and was instantly sold!
It was in WA that he found the answer to some of his health concerns and symptoms.
“I finally found a doctor that would take me seriously, and he later directed me to see a neurologist.”
Pete ticked off all the common symptoms of someone experiencing early onset Parkinson's, including, fatigue, tremors, loss of balance and more.
“When I first received my diagnosis, I was gutted, but at least I got the validation. I wasn’t going coo-coo and I’m not psychosomatic.”
After taking some time to process the shock of his diagnosis and the flood of emotions that came with it, Pete developed a fresh new outlook on life.
My diagnosis presented a whole new set of challenges for me, but I thought I’m going to hit it head on. It’s been a welcome kick up the bum."
“Before I was hesitant to do new things, now I completely embrace it.”
Having worked in the disability sector for 30 years, Pete felt confident reaching out to MSWA for his services, which include dietetics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling, and domestic assistance.
“My English accent is what gives me my charm, and I’m starting to lose it. My speech pathologists have helped me retain it.”
Pete admits the path hasn’t always been easy, but he continues to be tenacious and face his challenges head on.
“It’s tricky sometimes, I wake up and feel so fatigued, but I tell myself, ‘come on Pete, get up lazy bones!”
Having experienced the positive impact of MSWA’s services firsthand, when the job vacancy for Client Liaison Coordinator role was posted, he instantly wanted to apply.
“I’ve heard about the great things done at MSWA and I’m also a witness to that. I applied and got lucky.”
“Interestingly, I had my interview on a cruise liner heading into Bali, wearing a straw hat and Hawaiian shirt!"
“It’s been great working at MSWA, I’ve been involved in MSWA Step Up, featured in advertisements, and now I’m going to be in Bulletin! It’s a wonderful place to get involved, get your hands dirty and it’s good fun. I’ve met some great people and I’ve been really fortunate.”
Pete deeply enjoys his work at MSWA commenting, “everyone has a story. You just got to take time to listen.”
When asked what he would say to someone who is newly diagnosed, Pete mentioned “I’ve embraced Parkinson's, it’s my friend. I use it to my advantage. I don’t let it beat me now.”
Look after yourself. It will take time to get through it but there is lots of support out there. I was stubborn initially to accept support, but you should never be afraid to reach out for help.”
In his downtime, Pete loves to give back to his community. His wife, Kristy, cooks and he delivers the food to less fortunate families around their neighbourhood. He also enjoys taking his two dogs for walks, cuddling at home with his cat, and tending to the fish in his aquarium. Of course, you may also spot him at a local game store, always ready for his next challenge!
