Walking for Parkinson’s.

We did it! For those of you who missed it: On Saturday we walked from Putney to Southwark park, crisscrossing over all the bridges we came across in between. 25 kilometres, 16 bridges, lots of stairs, wading through crowds on Westminster bridge and Southbank, and loads of smiles and friendly faces.

We took part in this event to raise money for Parkinson’s uk and there is still time to sponsor us. We would be ever so grateful for your support!

Thank you Tim Lees, Julia Jones and Tony Jones for your unwavering good cheer and great company!

Why Parkinson’s UK? You might know yhat I have been working (and walking) with people with Parkinson’s for a while.

At this moment, we don’t know how we can prevent Parkinson’s, and once you have it, there is no medication that can cure or slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

But there are some glimmers of hope. Research shows that specific exercise can help slow down the progression, and can in some cases even turn back some of the symptoms. The combination of cardio exercise, movement, balance, coordination and exposure to nature can help, we use powerful movements, or very small movements. We challenge ourselves, and use the new science of neuroplasticity to trigger our brains to create new neural connections, and to create BDNF (also known as ‘miraclegro for the brain’).

Through Nordic walking I have seen the difference exercise and the immersion in nature can make for people with Parkinson’s, and it really inspires me to keep doing this work. That, and the amazing people I get to work with!

We have a class I boldly call “Nordic Neuro Magic”. We meet every Thursday 10.45 in Dulwich Park. Please get in touch if you want to know more, for yourself, a friend or a loved one.