Winchester Boxing Club Launches Free Parkinson's Sessions

Winchester Boxing Club has partnered with Parkinson's UK to launch a free non-contact boxing programme for residents diagnosed with Parkinson's, with the launch session held in late April and further sessions continuing through spring and summer.

The programme welcomes participants of all fitness levels and experience. Each session includes a warm-up, pad work, and the opportunity to get involved at a comfortable pace. The aim is to help with the balance, coordination, and stiffness that many people with Parkinson's manage day to day — and to do it in a supportive group environment.

A new partnership for Winchester

The collaboration between Winchester Boxing Club and Parkinson's UK began after England Boxing Coach Alex May attended a bespoke Boxing for Parkinson's training session organised by the charity. He brought the programme back to the club and worked with Parkinson's UK to organise the Winchester launch. People with Parkinson's have spoken movingly about what boxing means to them — the charity's magazine recently featured Rich's story about how training has helped him live well with the condition.

Speaking about the launch, Alex May said:

"Winchester Boxing Club is proud to be working with Parkinson's UK to offer non-contact boxing as an intense, fun, and social form of exercise to assist in the management of balance, stiffness, tremor and coordination difficulties, common to Parkinson's. Our coaches provide a supportive environment where the benefits of boxing to a healthy lifestyle and to the community as a whole are developed and reinforced."

Why boxing

Non-contact boxing has gained recognition as a form of exercise particularly suited to people with Parkinson's. The combination of footwork, hand-eye coordination, rhythm, and varied movement targets some of the same physical skills the condition can affect. Pad work, in particular, lets participants build technique and confidence without any contact between participants. Parkinson's UK provides detailed guidance on physical activity and exercise for anyone weighing up which approach might suit them.

Just as importantly, the format is social. Sessions involve working with coaches and alongside other participants — and for many people, the connection of training as part of a group is as valuable as the physical workout itself.

What to expect at a session

Sessions take place at Winchester Boxing Club, Unit 7 Barfield Close, Winchester SO23 9SQ. Public parking is available at the Barfield Park and Ride, a short walk from the club.

The format is designed for people new to boxing as well as those with prior experience. There is no sparring or contact between participants. The coaching focuses on technique, pad work, and the rhythm of training. People who have never put on gloves are as welcome as those who have boxed for years.

How to get involved

People interested in attending future sessions can contact Leigh Stroud at Parkinson's UK directly by email at lstroud@parkinsons.org.uk or by phone on 07955 267 385.

For broader information and support, Parkinson's UK runs a free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303 and an information service at parkinsons.org.uk.

About the partners

Parkinson's UK is the UK's leading charity supporting people affected by Parkinson's, funding research and providing services across the country. The charity runs Boxing for Parkinson's partnerships with clubs nationally, supporting community-based programmes that combine physical activity with social connection. There are many ways to get involved — from volunteering at events to supporting research — and you can donate to support their work directly.

Winchester Boxing Club is a community-focused club based in Winchester. Head coach Alex May holds England Boxing accreditation and has led the club's expansion into wider community programmes including this new Parkinson's partnership.

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Published in partnership with Parkinson's UK.