A SIXTY-three-year granddad from St Helens has sought inspiration from a sporting legend in his fight against Parkinson's Disease.

Terry Jones from Alder Hey Road, Eccleston is over the moon after receiving a signed photograph and goodwill message from boxing great Muhammad Ali.

Father-of-five Terry, who also has five grandchildren, wrote to fellow Parkinson's sufferer Ali to express his admiration after getting the great man's address from a web site.

And he was stunned when he got a reply.

He told the Star: "My daughter Tracey helped me write a letter explaining that Ali was my hero and how I admired the way he had fought Parkinson's Disease and not let it beat him.

"When I got the photo I thought it was absolutely brilliant. I didn't think I'd get anything back," said Terry.

Currently, Terry is in the first stages of a four-year programme that sees him taking test drugs at Walton Hospital. And the message from Ali has given Terry and wife Lilian a big lift and has encouraged them to look to the future with a positive attitude.

"It's inspired me and I won't let the illness get me down. No matter how miserable I feel I've got to stay positive," added Terry.