Two local residents have praised a scheme offering free fitness memberships to those living with Parkinson’s disease, as the initiative celebrates its fourth year nationwide.
The partnership between Everyone Active leisure centres and Parkinson’s UK provides full access to gym facilities, swimming pools and exercise classes for patients and up to three of their carers across Ealing’s leisure facilities.
Currently, 77 Ealing residents with Parkinson’s are taking advantage of the programme, which health professionals increasingly recognise as crucial for managing symptoms of the progressive neurological condition.
One resident is 79-year-old Domenica Ciliberti, who joined the membership programme two years ago following her diagnosis.
Domenica participates in multiple weekly classes at Acton Centre including stretch and mobility, Forever Fit and Pilates.
“The more I do exercise here, the slower the condition of Parkinson’s is,” Domenica explained. “There were movements in my legs and arms that I couldn’t do before I came here but now I can do them. Some of them still with difficulty but some of the symptoms don’t show as much as they used to.”
Clare Hotson, 67, who was diagnosed six years ago, also attends classes at Acton Centre. “This place is wonderful. I had five years of good health because I was doing exercise,” she said.
After a recent hospital stay, Clare has found the classes essential to her recovery. “I am not quite back to what I was before but I’ve made a lot of progress,” she added.
Clare has noticed significant physical improvements from her participation. “In June when I first had problems with my legs I was in hospital and I lost some of the muscle in my legs but it’s come back again and I am much stronger and I can keep going for longer now,” she said.
She also highlighted the varied nature of the condition. “I think with Parkinson’s there are so many symptoms – Domenica and me have different symptoms but we have the same disease. Different people have different symptoms.”
Both women value the group atmosphere of the classes. “I like doing activity with other people,” said Clare. “The classes are great, you chat to people beforehand.”
Domenica agreed, adding: “The instructors are very good. They keep us happy while doing it and encourage us to keep doing it even when we go home. The atmosphere is very good – it’s lively and I look forward to the classes.”
Phil Edwards, Everyone Active contract manager, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be working with Parkinson’s UK to provide free access to fitness facilities for those living with Parkinson’s and their carers. Seeing the progress made by people like Domenica and Clare is a powerful reminder of the impact physical activity can have – not just physically, but mentally and socially too. Their dedication and positivity reflect the supportive, welcoming environment we strive to offer at all our centres.”
Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world and there is currently no cure. It affects around 153,000 people in the UK and there are more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.
Beyond traditional gym activities, participants can access specialised Synergy Dance classes online, designed to accommodate varying mobility levels.
Medical clearance is recommended for those with additional health conditions before beginning new exercise routines.
Leisure facilities in Ealing – which include Acton Centre, Dormers Wells Leisure Centre, Northolt Leisure Centre and Brent Valley Golf Course and Fitness Centre – are managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Ealing Council.