At Stroud Boxing Club, a new kind of fight is taking place – one not for titles, but for strength, confidence and control.
A weekly class designed for people living with Parkinson’s disease is helping participants hit back against the condition, combining boxing drills with laughter, support and real, visible results.
Head coach Tyrone McFarlane says the sessions began after he was approached by England Boxing.
Watch Faye Hatcher speak with Tyrone McFarlane and members living with Parkinson’s disease, who are benefiting from the boxing sessions.
“I went down, did a course, and from there it’s just been growing week by week,” he explained. “It’s moving from strength to strength really.”
Although relatively new to coaching people with Parkinson’s, Tyrone says the results have been striking.
“We can see some of our boxers come in with tremor and they leave with a spring in their step. It’s all about getting that dopamine hit,” he said. “And not only that, it’s very much about the social aspect as well. We come in, we have a laugh – it’s been great.”
Participants say the sessions offer both physical and emotional benefits. One member described how boxing helps counteract weakness on one side of the body: “It forces you to use your weaker side. I can’t lift what I used to, but it gets me going and lifts your mood for the day.”
Beyond strength and mobility, attendees highlight the importance of community.
“It’s seeing other people who are in the same or even worse position. We help each other, have a laugh and a joke -it’s good fun,” they said. “Sometimes you don’t feel like coming, but everyone’s so welcoming and motivational, you’re glad you did.”
The class has evolved over time, now including strength training alongside boxing drills to support balance and coordination -key challenges for those living with Parkinson’s.
Tyrone added: “All of these guys come in with a big smile on their face and they leave with a big smile. We have a few wobbles here and there, but we always get back into balance.”
The group has even given themselves a fitting name: “The Unshakables.”
“Nothing will shake us,” they say.
Stroud Boxing Club is set to make history next month as it hosts its first-ever boxing show at Subscription Rooms on Saturday, April 4.
Featuring a packed fight card, a strong line-up of local boxers, and official backing from England Boxing, the event promises a full evening of amateur boxing for fight fans across Stroud and beyond.
There will be 15 bouts on the night, with 13 Stroud boxers competing, ranging in age from 11 to 23. Doors open at 5pm and boxing running through until 10–10.30pm.
Ticket information, click HERE
