Northern Lights Parkinson’s Support Group

I’m running the Manchester Marathon on 14 April 2024 to raise funds for Northern Lights PD - a Parkinson’s community. Parkinson’s is the world’s fastest growing neurological condition, yet we know very little about where it comes from, how to stop it, or how to slow it down. One thing we do know is that exercise helps ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s and in certain cases can even slow progression of the condition. With little progress in terms of new medications, it’s important that people living with the condition are encouraged to be as active as possible. Since my Dad’s diagnosis with Parkinson’s in 2022, Northern Lights and walking football has become a big part of his life. He trains at Northern Lights in the Brunswick club weekly and has even been called up to the England Parkinson’s Walking Football Team playing tournaments across Europe.

Although a big part of Northern Lights work is getting people involved in fitness and exercise, the mental health support it provides its community is invaluable. Parkinson’s can be an isolating condition with a wide range of symptoms that can vary from mild to extreme and with limited support from the NHS and online, for those suffering from the condition a strong community and support network is vital. The Northern Lights community gives those living with the condition a platform to share their different experiences, reassure others about symptoms, give tips on medications and provide general support for living with the condition.

As a voluntary organisation, Northern Lights relies on donations and any funds would massively benefit the club that does so much to support people in the local community living with Parkinson’s.