A (Nordic) walk in the park helps me to keep moving

In 2016, I was playing netball and noticed I had numbness in the top of my back towards my left shoulder. At the time, I was 54 and working as a PE teacher, responsible for 350 children.

It got more painful to the extent that I was finding it difficult to lift anything heavy. The turning point came one day when I couldn’t lift the side of the trampoline out. It was so painful and I had no power in my arms. I knew straight away that something was wrong, so I referred myself to my GP. He referred me to a physiotherapist and then an orthopaedic specialist.

At first, it appeared that the problem was two prolapsed discs in my back. But the problem persisted and I started noticing a slight tremor in one of the fingers on my left hand. I was convinced it was something neurological, but despite seeing two different neurologists, neither were sure it was Parkinson’s.

By now, I’d been off school for more than 6 months and I was very frustrated. Eventually I asked my GP to recommend a private neurologist and within a week I got an appointment. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2018 after a 10-minute appointment.

From a very early age I enjoyed participating in ballet and running. I played netball for Scotland for many years. My appreciation for being active was always encouraged by my PE teachers and that’s helped me to stay active as an adult.

My symptoms have changed in subtle ways over the last 5 years. But being active and taking part in a variety of exercises and physical activities definitely helps me to manage my Parkinson’s.

At the end of last year, I was encouraged to take part in a research programme on the benefits of Nordic walking for people with Parkinson’s.

Nordic walking helps with posture, balance, coordination, cardio and overall fitness. Being outdoors helps you get more fresh air, feel good and manage your Parkinson’s. Most people with Parkinson’s can take part in Nordic walking, whatever stage they’re at in their journey.

I’ve always loved the challenge of learning something new and I took to the walking style like a duck to water.  I even started leading the warm-ups and cool-downs - I like to think that once a PE teacher, always a PE teacher! 

I also loved taking part with the other participants in the programme. They were really inspirational in what they were achieving. 

Within the first 4 sessions, Sarah, the Parkinson’s nurse leading the research, asked if I’d consider becoming a Nordic walking instructor. 

I was apprehensive about completing the course as you can lose your confidence after you’re diagnosed. I sometimes get brain-fog, so I thought I might struggle, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was the only person with Parkinson’s on the course and I qualified in spring this year. 

Since my training, I’ve started two voluntary groups, one in Southwell, Nottinghamshire and one at the university campus in Nottingham, which are attended by people with Parkinson’s and other health conditions. I feel very humbled being able to teach and encourage other people living with the condition to take up this very worthwhile activity while I’m still fit and well.

I really enjoy walking and catching up with others like myself. It gives me a real sense of hope! My biggest challenge is trying to walk as normally as I can, and checking my balance so I don’t fall.

I would strongly recommend that anyone who’s newly diagnosed with the condition should start participating in activities or try to keep up what they’re already doing. 

For me, exercise is the best medicine and I’m convinced it’s helped to slow my progression, to the extent that many people are unaware that I have Parkinson’s.

Learning a new skill can be really important for keeping your brain active and can help you manage your symptoms. Any exercise should be encouraged, and the benefits are huge in terms of self-confidence, fitness and mental health. Being active can also help increase your endorphins and give you that feel-good factor!