Communities with a connection to Parkinson’s are being encouraged to try a new Nordic walking event in spring.
The Nordic walking event and picnic is being delivered by experienced British Nordic Walking instructors Chris Stanley and Sarah McCracken, with support from the local Parkinson’s UK team.
Chris Stanley is the UK’s only accredited female Nordic walking instructor living with Parkinson’s and has used her own passion for physical activity, sport and wellbeing to encourage more people to live well with Parkinson’s.
Sarah McCracken is an NHS Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist who also delivers Nordic walking sessions for people living locally with the condition and will be on hand at the event to offer advice and guidance about the best ways to live well with the condition.
The event on Friday 10 April will celebrate World Parkinson’s Day and Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Anyone with a connection to Parkinson’s is welcome to come along and try Nordic walking or make connections with other members of the local Parkinson’s community.
No previous experience of Nordic walking is required, and all equipment, including Nordic walking poles, is provided. Sensible walking shoes and outdoor clothing are advised, and participants are also recommended to bring a bottle of water for the walk.
Speaking about the impact of Nordic walking and supporting others to be active with Parkinson’s, Chris said:
“I’m delighted to be able to offer this Nordic walking event to mark World Parkinson’s Day and to give local people with a connection to Parkinson’s an opportunity to try the activity.
“Following my own diagnosis with Parkinson’s, I wanted to find an activity that helped me to live well all year round and enjoy being outdoors and in nature.
“As an accredited British Nordic Walking Instructor, I want to help even more people to enjoy Nordic walking and live well with the condition, no matter what their age or ability.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest in being outdoors to come along and give Nordic walking a try when we meet for World Parkinson’s Day.”
Speaking about the importance of being active with Parkinson’s and how Nordic walking can be beneficial, Sarah said:
“Nordic walking can be one of the best ways to live well with a long-term health condition, including Parkinson’s.
“It’s a great way for all ages and abilities to get active outdoors and enjoy being active together in nature. Not only is it beneficial for your core strength, balance and coordination, but it can also improve your general fitness and stamina.
“Nordic walking can also help to build your energy levels when practised regularly and can be adapted for all times of the year.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting new people with Parkinson’s and sharing the benefits of Nordic walking at the event in April, and I hope to see you there.”
Nordic walking can be one of the best ways to get active with Parkinson’s, offering some of the following benefits:
Improved strength
Better balance and coordination
Reduced risk of falls
Improved flexibility and joint health
Better wellbeing and mindfulness
Reduced anxiety and better sleep patterns
Improved cardiovascular health
More opportunities for social interaction
When: Friday 10 April from 10.30am
Where: Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park, Wollaton Road, Nottingham, NG8 2AE
