I'm running free Nordic walking sessions in Sunderland - here's how to join

A Nordic Walking instructor is leading free sessions of the activity in Sunderland for people living with Parkinson’s.

Nicola Asher is already a volunteer with Parkinson’s UK and passionately supports campaigns to help improve treatments and services for those living with the condition.

After spotting a story in the Echo about the charity partnering with British Nordic Walking to encourage applications for people to train to become instructors, Nicola jumped at the chance and is now a qualified instructor.

Using specially designed poles, Nordic walking engages the whole body and can help improve posture, balance, coordination, and confidence when walking.

For people living with Parkinson’s, it’s a fun, social, and effective way to stay active outdoors.

And Nicola will be leading free Nordic Walking sessions in Herrington Country Park, as well as Souter Lighthouse in South Tyneside, for people with Parkinson’s.

Nicola said: “I have a close family member who is affected by Parkinson’s and this inspired me to do more to help. I saw Parkinson’s UK advertising their partnership with British Nordic Walking and the opportunity to apply for funding to become a certified Nordic Walking Instructor.

“I was thrilled when my application was successful, then completed a comprehensive online course followed by a face to face course.

“The support I’ve received has been excellent and I’m now ready and qualified to start providing lessons - I will be doing this exclusively for those living with Parkinson’s and it will be on a voluntary basis with no charge for the sessions.”

She added: "Thanks to the wonderful gift of some used Nordic Walking poles that Active Sunderland, Sunderland City Council, this truly has made it possible for me to start offering the exercise sessions so quickly.

“I can’t thank the team enough and one person in particular - you know who you are.”

Nicola will be hosting a taster session in Seaburn on Thursday, August 13 and you can contact Nicola to learn more about this and other sessions here: https://localsupport.parkinsons.org.uk/activity/nordic-walking-6

Parkinson’s UK have been hosting many walking events around the UK this year to fund better care for everyone with Parkinson’s.

And there is also a local, fundraising walk taking place in Sunderland, Herrington Country Park on Sunday 6 September.

The event is open for anyone to sign up for and registration closes at the end of August.

Last year the event in Sunderland raised over £24k and this year money will go toward the Nurse Appeal, which helps fund new nurse posts and specialists to help people with Parkinson’s live well with the condition.

Jed Parsons, Physical Activity Partnerships Manager at Parkinson’s UK said: "I would like to congratulate Nic for completion of her training to become a qualified Nordic Walking Instructor. It’s wonderful to know that the partnership between Parkinson’s UK and British Nordic Walking is being brought to life in Sunderland and the volunteering that Nic is doing is making that happen”

Dr Catherine Hughes CEO British Nordic Walking CIC said: "Working with my team of Nordic Walking experts, we train volunteers and professionals as instructors, I am driven by the mission of helping communities set up Nordic Walking groups.

“I was thrilled to hear that Nic has now qualified and is ready to start supporting those with Parkinson’s around Sunderland make the most of the benefits provided by this exercise”