BBC News, Yorkshire<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n A woman who was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease has set up a boxing class as a way to empower others and help them manage their symptoms.<\/p>\n Anne Pearce, 58, said after experiencing the physical and emotional challenges of the condition first-hand, she discovered that boxing could significantly improve balance, strength, coordination and overall well-being.<\/p>\n Unable to find a class that matched her work commitments, she took the initiative to start her own at Trident Fitness in Morley, Leeds.<\/p>\n She said: “I know by taking control and doing this exercise it helps me to feel as fit as I can for as long as I can.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder that affects the brain, nervous system, and muscle control. <\/p>\n It is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, with about 153,000 people in the UK living with the condition.<\/p>\n There is currently no cure for it but treatments are available to help relieve the symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Mrs Pearce was diagnosed three years ago, decades after her brother John was told he had the disease.<\/p>\n She now experiences stiff joints, low mood and anxiety and struggles with insomnia, fatigue and her balance. <\/p>\n “It wasn’t a total shock, but it was a diagnosis I never wanted but I guess I knew would come one day,” she said.<\/p>\n Inspired by how her brother faced his diagnosis despite his health declining over the years, Mrs Pearce said she realised the importance of looking after herself.<\/p>\n When she overheard someone say how boxing had helped them manage their symptoms, she began looking into it.<\/p>\n “It’s hugely important to have the opportunity to access Parkinson’s specific exercise classes,” she said.<\/p>\n “It’s almost as if exercise should be on prescription because it’s the only thing known to slow down the progression.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The classes at Trident, which take place Thursdays at 18:30 and Saturdays at 10:00, started in November and are partly funded by England Boxing and Parkinson’s UK.<\/p>\n Mrs Pearce said the class was hugely popular and gave people a welcoming space to openly share their experiences.<\/p>\n “Everyone’s Parkinson’s journey is very individual,” she said.<\/p>\n “Some people will have a tremor, some won’t, some will have stiffness, some people’s posture will be really challenged – no two people’s journeys are the same.”<\/p>\n Mrs Pearce said she was grateful for the support she had received in setting up the classes.<\/p>\n She also helps run Yorkshire and Humber Younger Person’s Support Group which supports people under 67 living with Parkinson’s.<\/p>\n “We try and uplift people as much as we can and lead by example,” she said.<\/p>\n “Whilst we live with Parkinson’s, we all live very full lives.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"BBC\/Carla](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/28ab\/live\/209d9fe0-4e95-11f0-b3a5-35132112b537.jpg.webp\")
BBC\/Carla Fowler<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n‘A diagnosis I never wanted’<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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