Wells residents urged to try Parkinson's run scheme

By Laura Linham 8th Jul 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 2 minutes ago

Wells residents affected by Parkinson's are being encouraged to get active outdoors after England Athletics announced a new partnership with Parkinson's UK. The scheme brings together the national RunTogether social running programme with Parkinson's UK's specialist knowledge to create inclusive opportunities for people living with Parkinson's and their carers.

The partnership will also involve the National Trust and Forestry England, which will provide safe and welcoming outdoor spaces for groups to meet and take part in physical activity. No Wells-specific venue, group or launch date has been confirmed in the information supplied.

Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition and Parkinson's UK estimates that around 166,000 people in the UK have the condition. The charity says someone is diagnosed every 20 minutes.

Research has shown that regular physical activity can help people with Parkinson's manage symptoms, improve balance and mobility, and support mental wellbeing. The new partnership is aimed at helping people stay active, connected and confident through supportive running opportunities.

As part of the launch, England Athletics, Parkinson's UK, the National Trust and Forestry England delivered Run Leader training for people living with Parkinson's and their carers in Dorset. The course took place at the National Trust's Kingston Lacy and was the first in a planned series of courses across the RunTogether network.

Gary Shaughnessy CBE, chair of both England Athletics and Parkinson's UK, attended the training day. He said the collaboration was about showing that having a neurological condition should not stop people from feeling they can benefit from exercise.

He said: "It's not about what you can't do, it's about what you can do, and for me, that's the biggest thing about this partnership."

Caroline Rassell, chief executive of Parkinson's UK, said staying active was one of the best things someone with Parkinson's could do. She said the charity was delighted to be working with England Athletics to help more people explore whether running was for them in a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment.

People who want to find out more about RunTogether groups supporting people with Parkinson's, or how to become a Run Leader, can visit the England Athletics RunTogether website.