Boxing classes 'changed the life' of man living with Parkinson's

Richard Dunning, from Hartlepool, started noticing the symptoms of Parkinson's in his mid-thirties.

Now aged 44, he has spent the best part of a decade coping with the incurable condition, which causes involuntary shaking, slow movement, and stiff muscles.

Finding that medication took him to a "dark place", Richard said that going to a 'Parkinson's Punches' fitness class at Thornaby Boxing Academy in the North East "changed his life".

Former boxer Martin Murray now uses his position to help vulnerable young people and those suffering with their mental health

Using his experience, Richard has been raising awareness of how beneficial exercise is to those who suffer from Parkinson's, and was put in touch with former middleweight boxing champion Martin Murray through a St Helens-based friend.

Speaking to Martin about the benefits of boxing for people with Parkinson's, he explained how it helps to slow the onset of the "horrible" condition by keeping people active, balanced, and using all of their muscles throughout the sessions.

As well as preventing Parkinson's sufferers from "seizing up", the sessions are also said to be a huge boost to their mental health as they are keeping fit and meeting others in similar situations.

Martin and Richard also spoke about Muhammad Ali's battle with Parkinson's and the prospect of bringing Parkinson's boxing sessions to St Helens.

Richard and his 'Parkinson's Punches' group

Richard, said: "I go to a 'Parkinson's Punches' boxing group and an over 40s session every week.

"The sessions really help everyone and they do the world of good in helping my condition, as well as for my mental health.

"It's all to do with the movement as if I don't keep moving I start seizing up."

Richard takes part in Parkinson's events across the country to meet up with others in a similar position

As well as the boxing sessions, Richard takes part in Parkinson's sporting events all over the country to meet up with people going through similar situations.

Describing himself as the "shaky photographer", he also uses photography as a means of coping with his condition and getting out into nature.

Richard is also an avid photographer

Richard added: "It's so nice to meet others suffering from Parkinson's at the different sporting events, and people are over the moon to get out and meet each other.

"It's changed my life, and photography is something else that helps me tremendously.

"Parkinson's is a horrible condition and life can be a challenge, but it's finding ways to manage it the best I can and I'm not going to let it beat me."