A Cornwall-based boxing initiative that has been helping people with Parkinson’s disease stay active is set to expand nationwide, thanks to a new investment. The Parky Blinders project, which offers non-contact boxing sessions, has been praised for its ability to improve strength, stamina, and reduce social isolation among participants.
The project, which originally began in Newquay, Cornwall, has garnered significant attention for its positive impact on those living with the degenerative condition. Now, a £17,000 funding boost will enable more boxing coaches across the UK to receive training in running similar sessions, extending the program to nine new locations.
Parky Blinders was recently recognized at the BBC Radio Cornwall Make A Difference Awards, where it won the Community category. The program’s coaches and supporters believe that the gym-based exercise, which involves non-contact boxing, offers significant benefits for those with Parkinson’s disease.
Richard Powers, founder of Parky Blinders and a coach at Newquay Boxing Academy, explained that boxing might not be for everyone, but finding the right sport for each individual can be transformative. “It’s about finding what works for you. Boxing is non-contact, everyone learns at their own pace, which makes it an ideal option for people with Parkinson’s,” Powers said.
Participants in the project, such as Ann Curtis-Clarke, a woman in her 70s, have reported considerable improvements. Curtis-Clarke, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, shared how the program has positively impacted her daily life. “When I started, I was walking really slowly, but now I’m walking at a normal pace again. It has filtered through to my whole life in a really beneficial way,” she said.
The £17,000 funding for the nationwide expansion is jointly provided by England Boxing, Parkinson’s UK, and external partners. This investment will fund free training sessions for boxing coaches across the country to teach them how to run sessions tailored specifically for people with Parkinson’s disease.
Anna Castiaux, physical activity programme lead at Parkinson’s UK, emphasized the importance of understanding the condition rather than requiring coaches to be medical experts. “It’s about understanding the condition and equipping coaches with the confidence to provide activities that help people with Parkinson’s,” Castiaux stated. “Once they get into it, they just can’t stop.”
The expansion of the Parky Blinders project is a significant step in promoting physical activity and improving the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease across the UK.
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