Isobel Fry & Jenny ColemanBBC News, Liverpool
BBCA group of people with Parkinson’s disease who train at a boxing club in Cheshire have told how the classes have a “big impact” in helping them cope with symptoms.
Tommy O’Connor set up Rock Steady Boxing in Widnes after he was diagnosed with the condition 13 years ago.
He said the key to coping with the condition was staying as active as possible.
“Don’t let Parkinson’s overtake you. You have to do something about it, whether it’s the boxing, plenty of exercise, being around people,” he said.
When Mr O’Connor was first diagnosed he started looking for ways to help deal with the condition and came across Rocky Steady Boxing in America, which offered specialised non-contact boxing classes for people with Parkinson’s.
He went straight over to train and on his return set up the only UK version of the club, which now has branches in Warrington and Widnes.
Although there is no cure for the condition exercise which improves balance and coordination, such as boxing, and socialisation can help with symptoms.
“I started with six people. I had no idea if we’re going to get session two out of it,” he said.
“But we did and now we do 10 sessions a week. We’ve got 105 at the minute on the books.”
Among the people who regularly attend is Sharon Brown.
“My wellbeing is a lot better,” she said.
“It’s changed me completely.
“I love going on the bags. It’s made a big impact in my life. A very big impact.”
Steven Wood, who started volunteering at the club after seeing how much the classes helped his mother, said it was “inspirational watching people progress”.
“Watching the new boxers come in and helping them through and actually seeing the results at the end and how much better they are with the balance,” he said.
“We wouldn’t be here without Tommy.
“Basically these people would have been sat at home dealing with Parkinson’s, wondering what to do.”
John Laurie, who has been coming to classes since 2010, said the sessions had transformed his life.
“I’ve greatly improved in stance, in walking, in balance,” he said.
“Tommy’s done me the world of good, and so has this place.
“Anybody who puts himself out as much as this man deserves some award.
“There are not many heroes in my life, but he is a hero in my life.”
Mr O’Connor said he was overwhelmed to be nominated for a BBC Make a Difference Award, adding: “I’m not in it for that. I’m in it for these guys.”
