06/08/2026
A fantastic testimonial from one of our Parkinson's group members.
Our young coaches Lucas Atkin and Calum Long are doing a fantastic job.
These kind of testimonies really makes it worthwhile coaching.
Testimonial:
I was diagnosed with Parkinsons some 9 years ago, with no knowledge of this disease whatsoever. Medication was prescribed (lots of it), with verbal information given by the medical personnel that, to be blunt, was - ‘it does not get any better’. With that in mind, it seemed pointless to me to try and find anything that could help. There were lots of Parkinson's forums with ideas on diet, exercise and insights into what was in store. I never did read all of that!!
As the years passed, I became aware of my walking problems - I was used to walking every day with my dogs and could be out of the house for hours at a time - but Parkinsons put a stop to that, and I found myself walking the shortest amount out of the house for approx. 20 mins a day - not good for the dogs and certainly not good for me. My legs seemed to be the trouble as they would not do the simplest task, i.e. climbing the steps to the canal at Rishton; that walk ceased about 2 years ago. My dogs had to be walked with members of my family and eventually with a dog walker. Then I heard of a pilot scheme at the boxing club in Clayton-le-Moors for Parkinson sufferers, so I joined some 5 weeks ago and have been a regular member since. Which brings me to my testimonial regarding my walking abilities during this time. As of three weeks ago, I have walked my canal walk again - not as long as before, but I appear to be able to walk without my walking stick and not have the problem with my legs as I used to have. The only change that has happened to my daily routine is the Gym and the workout that we do on a Wednesday at Clayton Boxing Club, which has funding for people such as myself to try and do something to make a difference to their lives. It certainly has made a huge difference to my life as stated above. The tiredness in my legs (fatigue they call it) has gone and long may that last. Going to the gym has given me a reason to leave my house and do something different, and whilst meeting new people along with doing exercises, which I never thought I would do, has made a big difference to my mental and physical health.
The personnel at the Gym are caring and thoughtful and forever mindful of us Parkinsons sufferers.
This funding relieves any financial barriers to accessing this beneficial activity, and having seen the results from attending once a week, I will continue to do so and would definitely attend twice a week if it was available. I will also be advocating the benefits to the Parkinson’s community.
Ann Scaife
