The idea of Positively Parkinson’s came from a Parkinson’s awareness event organised in 2019 about the importance of exercise and having a positive attitude by neurological physiotherapist Vicky Knight.
As Vicky explained: “We are increasingly aware of how important exercise is in managing Parkinson’s. It is never too late to start exercising and it is amazing what people with the condition can achieve given the right support and education.”
Peter Burns, a patient of Vicky’s spoke at the event as someone who had recently been diagnosed. “We were looking for a challenge that was motivational and illustrated what people with Parkinson’s could achieve with a positive mindset. Having mentioned to Vicky that when I was 12 years old, I was a member of the youngest team to swim the English Channel. As Vicky and I were both keen swimmers we came up with the crazy idea to swim the Solent to raise funds for Cure Parkinson’s.”
Since then Positively Parkinson’s has gone on to raise over £174,000 for charitable causes.