The weekly classes, starting on March 26, are a collaboration between Parkinson’s UK and The Wingate Foundation, a charity from Caterham-based Wingate Financial Planning.
The sessions aim to help people with Parkinson’s stay active in a friendly and supportive environment.
The exercises are adaptive and non-combat, focusing on brain-body coordination, balance, posture, and movement.
No prior boxing or fitness experience is required, and the classes also include time for refreshments and socialising.
Advance booking is necessary.
Parkinson’s is a complex brain condition that worsens over time, affecting 153,000 people in the UK.
It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is currently no cure.
Paul Weeks, corporate director at Wingate and personal trainer, said: “Inspired by the ‘Parky Blinders’ sessions in Newquay, our foundation set out to bring a similar programme to Croydon.
“With many Wingate staff connected to the area and personally affected by Parkinson’s, this initiative aligns perfectly with our objective to support those in need through physical activity.”
Jan Williams, local volunteer officer at Parkinson’s UK, said: “At Parkinson’s UK we know how important it is to be physically active.
“Just 2.5 hours a week can make a real difference to living well with the condition and can have a positive impact physically, mentally, and socially.
“People with Parkinson’s tell us that getting involved with the activities we run makes a real difference – so why not give our new non-contact boxing class a go?
“We hope it will help them manage the impact of Parkinson’s on their health and wellbeing, meet new people, and have fun at the same time.”
The classes will take place every Wednesday from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Trinity School, Shirley Park, Croydon, CR0 7LB.
To book a place, call 01883 332278 or email PUKboxing@wingatebs.com.
