Push-Ups for Parkinson’s: Man’s Month-Long Challenge Raises Thousands

Seven years after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Richard Longthorp has turned to boxing not only as a source of strength and community but as a powerful way to raise funds and awareness for others living with the condition.

His journey, which began with a chance meeting with Mike Bromby at St. Paul’s Boxing Academy, has led to a wave of support and an astonishing £22,000 raised for Parkinson’s support initiatives.

Richard’s involvement with boxing began last year when he started one-on-one sessions with Bromby, the head coach at St. Paul’s. The sessions quickly grew as other members of the Parkinson’s community joined, finding a sense of community and empowerment through the sport. This initial support sparked Richard’s decision to take on an ambitious fundraiser: in January, he pledged to complete 1,000 push-ups a day for the entire month, with a final push of 2,000 on the last day.

Initially setting a goal of £8,000, the 70-year-old was stunned by the outpouring of support, which helped him raise nearly three times that amount. With the funds in hand, he directed £7,000 to Goole Amateur Boxing Club and another £7,000 to St. Paul’s Boxing Academy. The remaining amount was donated to Parkinson’s UK.

These donations are already making a difference. The funds are being used to establish “Coaching People with Parkinson’s” courses across the country, designed to make fitness programs more accessible for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The initiative aims to improve quality of life and foster a stronger sense of community among those affected by the condition.