Our Aims
1. To promote and protect the health of people living with Parkinson’s disease
2. To improve physical function, wellbeing and quality of life in people living with Parkinson’s disease
3. To educate the public and healthcare professionals in the role of exercise in managing symptoms in people living with Parkinson’s disease
4. To promote equality by increasing access to exercise services for underserved and/or disadvantaged populations affected by Parkinson’s disease
5. To facilitate social connection and reduce isolation in people living with Parkinson’s disease
The story of Power Up Parkies
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in West London, Beate couldn’t find any exercise classes which were suitable or specific to her needs. Exercise is increasingly being advocated for in managing Parkinson's symptoms. However, too often people are told to “stay active” but not given Parkinson's-specific advice or the opportunities to do so safely. As a triathlete and running coach, Beate had always exercised, and felt confident exercising, so she also felt the need for support must be even greater in those without exercise experience. She also didn’t have a local community she could ask for exercise advice. This was the initial motivation and aim for what would become Power Up Parkies.
Beate met Bradley at Charing Cross Hospital through her involvement in Parkinson's research. They share a love of exercise and agreed that something had to be done to improve the exercise options available for people with Parkinson's. With Beate's drive and optimism and Bradley's attention to detail, they made a natural team. In November 2023, they organised the first aqua-aerobics class for people with Parkinson's at Charing Cross Sports Club , led by Jolanta. A few months later, a Tai Chi class was added. 2025 was a growth year: Lizzie came aboard as a Trustee; we formally registered as a charity (registered as "West London Parkinson's Exercise Hub"); boxing, strength and walking football sessions all started.
We want to make exercise inclusive and possible for everyone living with Parkinson's in West London, whether they have exercised before or not. We have been working hard to professionalise our work. We have been successful in receiving grants from Parkinson's UK, Sport England and Sport Parkinson's. We would like to continue to grow, so that we can offer exercise options to a wider range of people with Parkinson's across West London.
Our Trustees
Beate
Beate has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2021 and has identified a gap in exercise opportunities for PwP in West London. She has been involved in the design and implementation of the exercise classes that we have organised so far. She has extensive experience of participating in and coaching sports, particularly triathlon, swimming and long-distance running.
Bradley
Bradley is a geriatrics doctor and clinical research fellow in Parkinson’s. His specific interests within Parkinson’s are gait and balance, exercise and advanced Parkinson’s. He lives and works in West London. He has supported class set-up and grant applications to fund the classes. He is also a keen long-distance runner and tennis player, as well as a new dad.
Lizzie
Our Funders
We have received funding from the following organisations. We thank them for their support. Our classes would not have been possible without their support.
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