{"id":134526,"date":"2025-09-11T05:40:09","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T05:40:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/134526\/"},"modified":"2025-09-11T05:40:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T05:40:09","slug":"boxing-training-helps-us-deal-with-parkinsons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/134526\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Boxing training helps us deal with Parkinson’s’"},"content":{"rendered":"

A 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.<\/p>\n

Tommy O’Connor set up Rock Steady Boxing in Widnes after he was diagnosed with the condition 13 years ago.<\/p>\n

He said the key to coping with the condition was staying as active as possible.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

The sessions take place in Widnes and Warrington [BBC]<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Although there is no cure for the condition exercise which improves balance and coordination, such as boxing, and socialisation can help with symptoms.<\/p>\n

“I started with six people. I had no idea if we’re going to get session two out of it,” he said.<\/p>\n

“But we did and now we do 10 sessions a week. We’ve got 105 at the minute on the books.”<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Sharon Brown said the classes had made “a very big impact” on her life [BBC]<\/p>\n

Among the people who regularly attend is Sharon Brown.<\/p>\n

“My wellbeing is a lot better,” she said.<\/p>\n

“It’s changed me completely.<\/p>\n

“I love going on the bags. It’s made a big impact in my life. A very big impact.”<\/p>\n

Steven Wood, who started volunteering at the club after seeing how much the classes helped his mother, said it was “inspirational watching people progress”.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“We wouldn’t be here without Tommy.<\/p>\n

“Basically these people would have been sat at home dealing with Parkinson’s, wondering what to do.”<\/p>\n

\"Tommy<\/p>\n

Tommy O’Connor urged others also diagnosed with Parkinson’s to try to stay active [BBC]<\/p>\n

John Laurie, who has been coming to classes since 2010, said the sessions had transformed his life.<\/p>\n

“I’ve greatly improved in stance, in walking, in balance,” he said.<\/p>\n

“Tommy’s done me the world of good, and so has this place.<\/p>\n

“Anybody who puts himself out as much as this man deserves some award.<\/p>\n

“There are not many heroes in my life, but he is a hero in my life.”<\/p>\n

Mr O’Connor said he was overwhelmed to be nominated for a BBC Make a Difference Award<\/a>, adding: “I’m not in it for that. I’m in it for these guys.”<\/p>\n

Read more stories from Cheshire<\/a> on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer<\/a> and follow BBC North West on X<\/a>. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.<\/p>\n

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