Rolleston resident and friend will be doing a Nordic walk at Thoresby Park, Newark to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK
A duo is hoping to encourage the community to join them on a fundraising walk, aiming to raise £9 million to fund Parkinson’s nurses and specialists.
Christine Stanley, 50, of Rolleston, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s over seven years ago, and has taken part in numerous sponsored events, raising over £5,000 for Parkinson’s UK.
On Saturday (July 5), Christine and her friend Sarah McCraken, a Parkinson’s specialist nurse, will be doing a Nordic walk for Parkinson’s UK at Thoresby Park.
Despite her Parkinson’s symptoms, including pain in her neck and shoulders, Christine stays active by regularly incorporating ballet, yoga, jogging, and Nordic walking into her weekly routine.
She said exercise has become her ‘best medicine,’ and she is determined to inspire others to stay active and keep a positive outlook on life while living with a long-term health condition, like Parkinson’s.
“Parkinson’s can be a cruel condition, but I believe in being my own advocate and keeping moving,” she said, “I want to show others that, despite the challenges, life is still a miracle. I’ve had to retire early, but I’ve found new opportunities to make a difference.”
Christine became the first woman in the UK with Parkinson’s to qualify as a British Nordic Walking instructor last year.
Since gaining her accreditation, she has set up four Nordic walking groups across the Midlands and was honoured with an Ambassador Award from British Nordic Walking in recognition of her work.
She is particularly passionate about Nordic walking and its benefits for people living with Parkinson’s and is eager to educate the public about how Parkinson’s affects people of all ages, not just for older people.
For her, Christine said that taking part in Walk for Parkinson’s is an opportunity to continue advocating for people with Parkinson’s and to share her positive experiences of living with the condition.
She added: “By staying active, I’ve found that Parkinson’s doesn’t define me.
“I’m proud to be part of the Parkinson’s community, and I want to encourage others to stay positive and active too.
“It’s a privilege to be part of this event and to help others understand that Parkinson’s isn’t a barrier to living a full life.”
Sarah McCracken, a Parkinson’s specialist nurse, has 20 years of experience promoting activity and exercise for people with Parkinson’s.
Like Christine, Sarah is also a qualified British Nordic Walking Instructor and has been researching the health benefits of Nordic Walking for the last six years.
Sarah said: ““I’ve seen firsthand how exercise can improve the lives of those living with Parkinson’s. It’s so important to lead by example and stay active.
“Christine is a true inspiration to everyone around her, and I’m excited to join her for this walk.”
The walk for Parkinson’s on July 5 will have two routes available, a shorter one of 1. miles and a longer of 6.3 miles.
It costs £12 to sign up, but for under 18s the entrance is free. Registration is open until June 29.
To find out more about Walk for Parkinson’s and to sign up to walk or volunteer, visit: parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/walk-parkinsons or email: walk@parkinsons.org.uk
Katie Thomas and Hannah Scammell, community fundraisers at East Midlands at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We’re thrilled that Christine and Sarah will be taking part in Walk for Parkinson’s at Thoresby Park.
“We hope that many others from the local community will join them in walking for such an important cause and help fund essential Parkinson’s specialist nurses needed for people living with Parkinson’s.
“For anyone who would like to volunteer, we’d love to hear from those interested in supporting the smooth running of the event.
“Volunteering is a rewarding experience, and it's a wonderful way to make a real difference while being part of a supportive and inspiring community.”
