A RETIRED midwife who suffers from Parkinson’s disease will push her fitness levels to the maximum to raise cash for the charity which has supported her.

Sue Walters, 67, is throwing her weight behind Parkinson’s UK by doing a one-hour workout at Wellington Sports Centre next Wednesday.

Going to the gym is an activity that many people undertake every week but, for Sue, it is not always easy as she has been living with the condition for the past six years.

She said: “I find that regular exercise helps me cope with my Parkinson’s and gives me a focus in life.

“I have been working out at the Wellington Sports Centre for a while now with friends I have made at the gym.

“I would like to thank the staff at the centre for helping me turn my fundraising idea for Parkinson’s UK into a reality. I am determined to raise as much as I can towards research to find a cure.”

Starting at 7am, Sue’s workout will include four seated rows totalling 2,000 metres, two treadmill runs totalling one mile and two exercise bike rides totalling three miles.

Regular exercise can help people with Parkinson’s strengthen their muscles and increase mobility in their joints.

Keeping fit helps Sue carry on her daily life as normal, which includes helping out at Somerset Sight in Staplegrove Road, Taunton.

Paul Jackson-Clark, director of fund-raising at Parkinson’s UK, said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to Sue for organising her fitness challenge event.

“Sue is not only raising funds, but is also helping us to raise awareness of Parkinson’s.

“We are incredibly grateful to Sue for her support and I hope her success will encourage others to organise their own fund-raising events in the future.”

To sponsor Sue, see her JustGiving page or visit Wellington Sports Centre in Corams Lane where there will be a collection tin on the reception desk.