A FORMER British boxing champion turned NHS occupational therapist who has been helping patients with various conditions, including Parkinson’s, has called for more funding for programmes like his.
Charles Delve created the scheme – which he says is a unique approach to rehabilitation – through his community interest company, Box Positive.
Charles, combining his boxing expertise with his passion for helping others, offers tailored exercise programmes designed to address the specific needs of people living with Parkinson’s and other conditions.
He said he found this helped participants by focusing on improving strength, balance, coordination, speech and cognition.
“When people put the gloves on they feel a sense of power, and a sense of getting control back on their lives,” he said.
The programme’s high-intensity workouts, using punch bags and throwing medicine balls, not only aids physical rehabilitation but also stimulates the production of endorphins, which can protect dopamine neurotransmitters lost in Parkinson’s disease.
Charles added: “People don’t always want to exercise and there can be a lack of motivation, however I run a fun and engaging programme where people are letting go of some aggression and frustration at life’s unfairness which can be very debilitating.”
In the six years since its launch, the Box Positive sessions at Droitwich Amateur Boxing Club have led to multiple success stories from those who have taken part.
Despite the benefits of these programmes, Charles is frustrated by the lack of funding from the NHS for schemes like Box Positive which, he says, could significantly reduce hospital admissions and costs.
“The NHS spent over £2.3billion a year on falls alone, so we offer balance and strength and co-ordination to help prevent people falling and going into hospital – that is why programmes like this need to be expanded, to help save the NHS money.”
To find out more email Charles at the following address: [email protected] or call on 07980 192053.
Former British boxing champ turned occupational therapist calls for more funding
