Funding from Spark ensures free exercise program continues

Funding from Spark ensures free exercise program for people with Parkinson’s can continue to grow

August 22, 2016– The Live Life Well Charitable Trust has received a donation from Spark New Zealand to ensure it can continue to grow its free exercise program for Parkinson’s sufferers.

Research has over the past few years identified exercise as the “other medicine” in the daily battle of people with Parkinson’s to live well and delay the disease onset. Exercising for Parkinson’s requires a specific skill set of exercises, administered by qualified trainers who understand the dynamics of the disease and its many varied symptoms. Unfortunately cost is a barrier to many sufferers as they are unable to work due to age or reduced ability.

Twice a week at a small exercise studio in Lower Hutt a group of people with Parkinson ’s disease gather for an intensive exercise program designed to combat the symptoms of the disease. They are part of a Pilot Program run by the Live Life Well Charitable Trust. The Trust is the brainchild of Jim Nicolle, who was diagnosed 3 years ago at age 50, and trainer Kat Lillyston who has had extensive experience in developing exercise programs for people with Parkinson’s. The programs are delivered free of charge and maintaining funding is always a difficult task.

Trustee Jim Nicolle says “We were halfway through the Pilot and faced with having to raise more funds to continue when Spark announced One Spark One Wish, a celebration of its second birthday, giving all employees a chance to win funding for a local community group. I applied on behalf of Live Well and the trust was awarded $5000. That’s enough funds to allow us to continue with and expand the program”.

“Working with people with Parkinson’s is very rewarding, after two to three weeks on the program people begin to see the benefits and that has a huge impact on their quality of life. The funding from Spark will mean that more people can access the program.” says Lead Trainer Kat Lillyston.

“Those with Parkinson’s who want to learn more or register interest in the program should contact the Trust for an assessment to confirm if the program is suitable for you.The next program starts the 19th of September and there are places available”

ENDS

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