Back in March I attended as a delegate and was so impressed by the whole weekend’s feeling of positivity, I felt compelled to offer my help at future events. Having done just that in July, here I was in October ready to welcome 14 more people with Parkinson’s (PWP), four of whom brought their partners.
Following feedback from previous programmes, the weekend encompassed popular sessions together with some exciting new topics. And of course a Fighting Fit weekend wouldn’t be what it says on the tin without the fun exercise sessions such as PD Power, Boxing and Spinning, after all motion really is medicine.
We kicked off with introductions followed by an opportunity for the group to share their hopes and fears for the weekend all of which were documented anonymously on Post-it notes. Following a relaxing taster of Tai Chi and key signposting sessions, the Friday ended with group singing that was altogether much more relaxed and fun than most people probably expected! Barriers came down, smiles grew larger and some truly amazing singing was demonstrated by all.
On Saturday it was one of the new sessions, Overcoming Apathy and Building Motivation, that proved one of the most popular. This was delivered by a neurological lecturer and research expert from Oxford University who has been involved in the research of how this affects PWP. It certainly answered a lot of questions for many of us and highlighted some tools to help us manage what can often be an overwhelming symptom of Parkinson’s.
After lunch, we were joined by some of the delegates from the first Fighting Fit weekend who were meeting up for a reunion, giving them a chance to reflect on their personal progress since they met 12 months ago. The rest of us explored skills for working life and technology and devices for working life. The day was finished with a dance session, another item on the agenda that most people gain more fun and enjoyment from than they ever expected! Feedback from previous events told us that it would be good to have some form of entertainment in the evening, so we listened and organised an optional quiz to keep the grey matter working.
On Sunday there was still more exercise to be done and very enlightening presentations from our local award-winning Parkinson’s nurse and a clinician with a special interest in Parkinson’s research projects and their progress. Both sessions provided a number of useful insights for everyone to take away with them. As always the course finished after lunch with some personal reflection and planning and a chance for us to revisit the hopes and fears to check that we had addressed as many as possible throughout the weekend.
One of the hopes that featured a lot was to make new friends and I think we could put a massive tick against that. As we said our goodbyes with contact details avidly being exchanged, I know for sure that I met some wonderful people, who I know will become friends for life.
Jane Charlton