Stronger Together: Boxing, Community, and Living Well with Parkinson’s

Anne Pearce, 58, was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease three years ago—decades after her brother received the same diagnosis. Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition worldwide, with over 153,000 people living with it in the UK. While there is no cure, treatments—including exercise—can help manage symptoms. 🥊 Discovering the Power of Boxing Anne began experiencing symptoms such as stiff joints, poor balance, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and low mood. After learning about the benefits of boxing for Parkinson’s, she looked into it further and found growing evidence that targeted exercise can improve coordination, posture, strength, and emotional well-being. 💡 Taking Initiative: A Class of Her Own Unable to find a Parkinson’s-specific boxing class that fit her schedule, Anne took the initiative to create one herself at Trident Fitness in Morley, Leeds. Since launching in November, her classes have provided a safe and empowering space for others with Parkinson’s. They are now held weekly on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m., and are partly funded by England Boxing and Parkinson’s UK. 💬 A Space for Support and Understanding Anne says the boxing sessions are about more than exercise—they offer a community where people with Parkinson’s can share experiences openly. “Everyone’s Parkinson’s journey is very individual,” she notes. Symptoms and challenges differ from person to person, and the classes help participants feel less isolated. 💙 Building a Stronger Community Anne also co-leads the Yorkshire and Humber Younger Person’s Support Group, which helps people under 67 living with Parkinson’s stay connected, informed, and inspired. She emphasizes the importance of staying active and hopeful: “Whilst we live with Parkinson’s, we all live very full lives.”