1 week Ago By [email protected] (Lewis Clarke)
A woman from Congresbury living with Parkinson’s is gearing up to run her sixth marathon this weekend, showcasing the power of persistence and challenging perceptions of what is possible with the condition. Amanda Palmer, 51, will take part in the London Marathon on Sunday, April 27, to raise funds for . Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2021 at the age of 47, Amanda has embraced long-distance running with renewed purpose—having already completed five marathons, including previous races in London and Chester.
Though Amanda has been running since childhood, she said it was the urgency brought on by her diagnosis that pushed her to tackle marathons. “I ran my first marathon 10 months after my Parkinson’s diagnosis and since then I’ve done four more,” she said. “I felt I didn't have the time to train before, but getting a diagnosis makes you think your time is running out, no matter how positive you are.
You may have some control over managing your symptoms, but it's a degenerative, progressive condition. So actually, my time is running out to achieve what I would like to and that was the kick I needed to just go for it.” Amanda attends the PD Warrior programme at Horfield Leisure Centre in Bristol, run by in partnership with Bristol City Council.
The programme includes neuroactive exercises aimed at improving symptoms and retraining the brain. A mother of two, Amanda says the sessions have made a significant difference to her mobility since she began attending them two years ago. She said: “I wish I'd run a marathon sooner because it is an amazing experience.
High intensity exercise is the only thing that's helped to slow the progression of the disease though it doesn't stop it. I’m giving myself the best opportunity to stay as fit as I can for as long as I can.” Amanda added: “The fantastic PD Warrior group sessions on Thursdays at Horfield Leisure Centre are face to face, which is something I need.
It’s not just about the physical exercise, it's the camaraderie and feeling of being in a community of people who wouldn’t necessarily be looking at you and thinking you’re walking weirdly or shaking. It’s a feel-good vibe and a mental medicine as well as physical. I’d recommend them to anyone.
” The programme includes balance and posture exercises, exaggerated movements to encourage normal movement patterns, and even voice work to counter the speech effects of Parkinson’s. Amanda, who has previously run the London Marathon three times and the Chester Marathon twice, has already set her sights on more challenges this year. She plans to run the Gold Coast Marathon in Queensland, Australia in July, followed by another Chester Marathon in October.
She described the mental and physical hurdles she faces at the start of each race, noting that her body only settles into a rhythm a few miles in. “For the first couple of miles, there is so much concentration that goes into trying to get your body to work as it is supposed to,” she said. “My leg doesn’t lift properly, my arm doesn’t swing and my running gait isn’t as it should be because I’m concentrating so much and there are imbalances in my body.
But when you get to that magic three miles, your body just clicks into memory mode and it’s a feeling like pre-diagnosis. It’s the most beautiful feeling of being free, as it feels like your body is working like it should be. It is an ongoing learning curve, but I want to keep going and run at least two marathons a year.
” Cameron Bate, contract manager at Everyone Active, said Amanda’s resilience has had a lasting impact on those around her. “It’s fantastic to see Amanda’s phenomenal determination and strength to continue running. She is an inspiration to us all and has become an integral part of our PD Warrior exercise programme which we hope will continue to help many more people stay active while living with Parkinson’s.
” Councillor Stephen Williams, chair of the public health and communities committee, said: Horfield Leisure Centre’s PD Warrior exercise programme is playing such a meaningful part in the lives of so many people, the impact is truly humbling. I’m delighted to see Amanda adding to her already spectacular marathon tally, and that the programme is supporting her fitness and rehabilitation journey.” Everyone Active leisure centres across Bristol offer free memberships to those living with Parkinson’s.
The initiative, co-designed with Parkinson’s UK, currently supports 124 people and is available at Easton Leisure Centre, Bristol South Swimming Pool, Henbury Leisure Centre, Horfield Leisure Centre and St Pauls Community Sports Academy. The membership includes access to gym, swimming and group exercise, as well as online . The scheme, now in its fourth year, also allows up to three carers to join free of charge.
PD Warrior sessions also run at Henbury Leisure Centre on Tuesdays. Those with underlying health conditions are advised to consult their GP before beginning any new physical activity..
