Parkinson's Fighters United Inc

Boxing and more...

About PFU

In 2017, Madonna Brady had a question.  She wondered if there were any non contact boxing classes available in Brisbane, Queensland, designed specifically for people  with Parkinson's Disease.  There weren't.

​

PFU had its first mission!

​

Six months later non contact boxing classes

began at PCYC Lang Park.

​

And it turned out that what Madonna wanted, others wanted too.

Parkinson's Fighters United (PFU) is a not for profit organisation

run by people with Parkinson's for people with Parkinson's.

​

Ours is a simple philosophy, "if we need it, others do too!"

To people with Parkinson's, their families and carers, PFU offers:

social events

seminars

support

information sharing

creative opportunities

Parkinson's-specific boxing trainers 

Upcoming Events

 

Parkinson's Exercise Group / Boxing

Kelvin Grove YMCA , 

11 - 11:45am every Wednesday unless notified otherwise

Deb Meade is our Trainer 

More details click here


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Social Catch up at Pig 'n' Whistle South Brisbane

Bi monthly @6pm  for dinner and speaker

Dates : 


 5th September, 7th November, 5th December ( Christmas Party)

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Fortnightly Craft Group  

Contact Madonna for all the details




What our Parkinson's Fighters say

  • In December 2018, to my total shock and disbelief I found myself in hospital for two weeks and, at age 59 was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. My background is in health; I was an ICU nurse for 15 years and recovery nurse for 20 years. Having only worked in surgical areas, I had no exposure to patients with Parkinson’s nor did I know anyone with PD. I found myself in uncharted waters. Although it is early days, I am utterly convinced already that boxing is worthwhile – I feel stronger, fitter, healthier and mentally relaxed. PFU is such a diverse and positive group of people who understand what it’s like being diagnosed with PD. I have found everyone to be incredibly supportive, understanding and welcoming. The trainers are also very knowledgeable and are able to tailor each boxing session to individual needs and abilities. ​ There is a growing body of evidence to support the many benefits of non-contact boxing, including improvements in strength and motor symptoms. I firmly believe that this is true.
    Di Hilton
    PFU Fighter | PCYC Lang Park
  • It has been really satisfying as a trainer to witness the huge improvements the group as a whole have achieved over the past year. I love seeing the physical benefits they gain from the class, but also the social benefits and emotional support as a result of interacting with others who are going through the same thing. The group has developed a real ‘community feel’. They help, encourage and support each other and fight Parkinson’s Disease as a united team. I have taught them about boxing and exercise, while they have taught me a lot about Parkinson’s Disease and the resilience of the human spirit. They place their trust in me and are always willing to give anything a go. ​ Working with this group of Parkos and their carers is one of the highlights of my week, and most importantly we always have a laugh and have FUN! I also gain much satisfaction from the knowledge that in some small way I am contributing towards improving the quality of life of those living with Parkinson’s Disease.
    Deb Mead
    PFU Instructor | PCYC Lang Park
  • It took me until I was 70 to discover the skills involved with, and the multiple benefits of boxing. This heart pumping exercise can help lower blood pressure, increase muscle tone, boost endurance, add to core stability, engage peripheral vision, improve hand eye coordination and fine motor skills and relieve stress. This means I can walk longer, balance better, climb more stairs, get out of a chair or car with a little less effort, pick up a pen (or pill!) and most importantly, play with my grandchildren with greater ease and for longer. After a PFU session I walk with a normal gait - no limp or flop foot. It does not last...but it is a wonderful feeling while it does! But best of all boxing is fun! ​ There is a growing body of evidence to support the many benefits of non-contact boxing, including improvements in strength and motor symptoms. I firmly believe that this is true.
    Bettye Allan
    PFU Fighter | PCYC Lang Park
  • I am 72 years of age and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in early 2013 while I was working in Abu Dhabi. On my return to Australia in late 2015, I retired and settled in Brisbane. For the past two years, I have attended the boxing classes facilitated by Parkinson's Fighters United (PFU) at the PCYC Lang Park. These classes have been most effective in improving and maintaining my general fitness level and my sense of well-being. Most particularly, I have recently had problems with my posture arising from Parkinson’s. The increase in core, upper spinal and shoulder strength that have resulted from my participation in the boxing sessions have certainly improved my posture. I have also benefitted from the social interaction with others in this supportive community. They have provided a source of information and just being around other people fighting the disease through exercise, is a pleasure and a privilege. ​ There is a growing body of evidence to support the many benefits of non-contact boxing, including improvements in strength and motor symptoms. I firmly believe that this is true.
    John Loy
    PFU Fighter | PCYC Lang Park

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Join our Boxing Whatsapp group

We have a whatsapp chat group for messages relating to boxing at the PCYC Milton. Join this list to get details of any session time changes and other related information such as mask requirements etc. Either ask to join at one of the sessions or fill out the below and we will add your number to the group list.

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Information and links

  • YMCA Kelvin Grove - ​ Wednesdays 11 - 11:45am
    Non Contact Boxing - Kelvin Grove
    YMCA Kelvin Grove | 44 Musk Ave | Kelvin Grove
  • After boxing at PCYC Milton. Foyer on ground floor
    Cuppa & Chat
    Catch up for a post boxing chat
  • Meet for social catchup and chat with other PFU friends. Meeting for meal and chat 1st Monday every second month Pig 'n' Whistle South Brisbane, 6pm Feb - April - June - August - October - December -
    PFU friends support group
    Meetings every second month
  • The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment – LOUD (LSVT LOUD) is a treatment for speech disorders associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). It focuses on increasing vocal loudness and is delivered by a speech therapist in sixteen one-hour sessions spread over four weeks. A derivative of this treatment, known as LSVT BIG, is used in treating movement aspects of PD. https://www.lsvtglobal.com/loud-certification/course-details ​ Sites available in QLD are as follows: Prince Charles Hospital https://metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/tpch/healthcare-services/rehabilitation-day-therapy-unit Phone: 07 3139 4798 ​ Canossa Hospital http://www.canossa.org.au Phone: 07 3717 5555 ​ St Andrew's Hospital http://standrewshospital.com.au/services/rehabilitation Phone 07 3834 4444
    LSVT
    The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment – LOUD (LSVT LOUD)
  • Braveheart's Gym | 253 Stafford Rd | Stafford ​Tuesdays 11:30 - 12:30pm Saturdays 9:30 - 10:30am Heidi | 0412 638 398
    Non Contact Boxing - Stafford
    Braveheart's Gym | 253 Stafford Rd | Stafford
  • Clem Jones Centre| 56 Zamel St | Carina ​ 3398 2107 ​ 7 week targeted programs contact CJC
    Non Contact Boxing - Carina
    Clem Jones Centre| 56 Zamel St | Carina
  • PCYC | 44 Dominions Rd | Ashmore Carolyn | 0466 558 704 Sara | 0466 669 773 ​ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tuesdays 10:30 - 12:00 Thursdays 10:30 - 12:00
    Non Contact Boxing - Ashmore
    PCYC | 44 Dominions Rd | Ashmore
  • First Point Fitness | 3/7 Commerce Ct| Noosaville ​ Robo | 0435 751638 Mondays Wednesdays Fridays 10:30am
    Non Contact Boxing - Noosaville
    First Point Fitness | 3/7 Commerce Ct| Noosaville
  • Brisbane class times shown, for other venues throughout Queensland visit website: ​ http://danceforparkinsonsaustralia.org/find-a-class/ QUT Thursday 10:00am QB** Sunday 11:00am - 12:00pm
    Dance for Parkinson's
    Dance for Parkinson's
  • Various locations across Australia which can be found via the below website link. ​ https://pdwarrior.com/about-us/ Monday, Thursday 12:00pm
    PD Warrior
    PD Warrior

Gallery

Our Patron

Dennis Hogan

Titles:

WBO Oriental super welterweight

IBF Pan Pacific super welterweight 

PFU is humbled and very proud to have Dennis Hogan as our patron. 

Despite a busy schedule Dennis endeavours to get to the PCYC boxing class (Wednesdays 11:30am) once a fortnight.  He is always generous - whether he is sharing technical 

boxing advice or taking participants through their paces.

Dennis was the Mastermind behind the 100 Rounds fundraiser, which we hope will become an annual event.


Read more here about World junior middleweight contender Dennis Hogan helping people with Parkinson’s disease

Contact PFU

For general enquiries or if you want to chat to someone directly, use the below form

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