We are celebrating after £7,000 donation after a boxing fan with Parkinson’s did 1,000 press-ups a day for a month.
Richard Longthorp, 71, handed the cheque to David Garness, chair of our trustees at our recent fight night dinner fund-raiser at the MKM Stadium.
Richard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017. He responded by taking up boxing, joining St Paul’s Parkinson’s Punchers boxing group, which he says has been hugely beneficial in helping to live with the condition.
Boxing is increasingly being recognised by participants and scientists alike as an effective way of mitigating many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s. It improves brain-eye-body connectivity and coordination, as well as improving balance and posture.
Richard Longthorp, 71, left, hands the cheque for £7,000 to David Garness, chair of trustees at St Paul’s Boxing Academy
Richard decided he wanted to give something back so set himself the challenge of doing 1,000 press-ups every day throughout January. In doing so, he has managed to raise more than £22,000, split between St Paul’s in Hull, Goole Amateur Boxing Club, and Parkinson’s UK.
Richard, an East Yorkshire pig farmer, said: “When I started, I had a target of £2,000 so it’s incredibly humbling to have raised more than £22,000. I can’t thank people enough for their support.
“The boxing sessions have been hugely beneficial to me and my fellow Parkinson’s Punchers. It’s really heartening to think that the money raised will go to help increase the provision for more Parkinson’s boxing sessions.”
Mike Bromby MBE, head coach at St Paul’s, said: “We can’t thank Richard enough – not just for the funds, but also for the way he’s an inspiration for the whole St Paul’s family. Boxing is all about getting back up and Richard is the epitome of that.
“The sessions we run for people with Parkinson’s are relaxed and informal. If anyone is interested in finding out more, they should get in touch.”