Bob Carter was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a neurological condition which affects the brain, around five years ago.
But since he discovered Rock Steady Boxing, non-profit gyms in Warrington and Widnes, Bob, who is from Sutton Leach in St Helens, has gone from ‘strength to strength’.
In fact, the boxing classes have helped Bob so much that his son Dan is taking on a huge fundraising challenge for them.
Speaking to the Warrington Guardian, Dan, who is from Eccleston in St Helens, said: “When my dad was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, we were looking at stuff to help him fight back against what is an incurable disease.
“One of the things we discovered was Rock Steady Boxing Gym and for the last few years my dad has been going to both the Warrington and Widnes sites.
“I’m a real honest believer that we wouldn’t have the version of my dad that we’ve got today if Rock Steady Boxing wasn’t around.”
(Image: Supplied)
Rock Steady Boxing was set up by Tommy O’Connor after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 13 years ago.
It provides fitness classes to those with Parkinson’s with the aim of enhancing their quality of life and to help them to start to feel and function better.
Tommy himself is a lead coach, so he understands first-hand the issues faced and the benefits of the exercise in fighting back against some of the symptoms of the disease.
Through the exercise programme, members are able to improve balance, posture, movement, dexterity, strength, motor skills, agility, help address the tremors and overall fitness levels and voice activation using planned non-contact boxing drills within a friendly environment.
The classes are aimed at all stages of the disease, meaning practical and emotional support can be provided to individuals from a very early stage.
Dan says that Rock Steady Boxing is more than just a gym – it is a community.
He said: “The groups are formed to support people that are at a similar level in terms of the stage of the disease they are at.
“It’s physical, psychological, and emotional support, group members get to speak to each other, support each other, understand, and say ‘have you tried this’ or ‘I’ve read something on this, why don’t you give it a go?’.
“It is more than just a boxing class.”
To raise awareness of Parkinson’s and to support the gyms which are a cause very close to Dan’s heart, he will be taking on a 15,000ft skydive this Saturday – despite having a fear of heights.
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“Just saying the word skydiving, my hands instantly start sweating,” Dan said.
“I’ll be nervous on the day, but it’s giving something back to a group of people.
“My fear or my battle will be over once I have my feet touch that ground, but for everybody else, they’ll continue the next day, the day after, and the day after to fight their battle.”