Alex Echo and Hydrow partner up for Parkinson's

The collaboration sees internationally renowned artist Alex Echo partnering with state-of-the-art rowing company Hydrow. Together they have created limited edition rowing machines wrapped in Alex's artwork. 

The rowing machines have been released to raise awareness and money, with 20% of the profits from every limited edition rowing machine donated to Parkinson's UK.

There are 2 designs centred around the 4 elements: earth, air, fire and water. In addition to the element designs, Alex has crafted a 3rd unique design which celebrates the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Alex was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2019. The partnership came about after Alex got in touch with Hydrow to see if a rowing machine could help him. Since using the Hydrow, he has seen an improvement in his wellbeing and symptoms.

The partnership launched in April to mark World Parkinson's Day, which happens on 11 April every year. An event took place at an art gallery in Mayfair to showcase the rowing machine, with guests from Parkinson's UK and Hydrow.

Learn more about the partnership on the Hydrow website.

Alex says:

"Parkinson's UK has lifted me up so many times. And now Hydrow is. The rowing machine is a game-changer for me and I know it can be for other people as well.

"My goal is to start rowing every day from World Parkinson’s Day 2022 and row every day until next year’s World Parkinson’s Day! My other goal is to sell a bunch of rowing machines to raise money for Parkinson’s UK."

Caroline Rassell, CEO of Parkinson's UK, says:

"Parkinson's is an incurable degenerative neurological condition, it is so important that people affected by the condition feel a sense of hope and control to allow them to live well. The power of exercise and activity provides this.

"Our partnership with Hydrow will support that message of hope for people with Parkinson's by both highlighting the importance and joy of exercise but also by 20% of the proceeds helping us to invest in groundbreaking research and support. Alex Echo's designs for the Hydrow cannot fail to bring happiness and hope to both the owner of the Hydrow and our Parkinson's community."

Keeping active is good for you

Keeping active is good for you. It's especially good for you if you have Parkinson's. Staying active is different for everybody. For some, it’s walking, gardening or climbing the stairs. For others, it’s running or cycling. 

Tim Morton, Physical Activity Programme Manager at Parkinson’s UK, says:

"Being physically active is important for everyone. It supports both physical and mental health, and depending on what you choose, can provide social support and interaction, all of which can really help people living with Parkinson’s.

"Research has shown that around 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a week has the potential to help manage common motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s and increase overall wellbeing. Developing a regular physical activity habit can make a person feel more in control when living with the condition. Quality of life can be enhanced and independence and confidence maintained."