Parkinson’s swimmers to appear in BBC One show

A group of people living with Parkinson’s in Belfast will star in a groundbreaking new series on BBC One. The show follows ex-Eastenders actor Natalie Cassidy as she fulfils her ambition to train as a care professional.

The series films an aquacise class at Templemore Baths, where participants share how regular exercise gives both people with Parkinson’s and the family members supporting them some well-deserved time out. 

William Stafford lives with Parkinson’s and serves on the board for the Templemore Users Trust. Driven by his passion for swimming, William launched these aquacise sessions with funding from a Parkinson’s UK in Northern Ireland Physical Activity Grant. Now, a regular group attends to enjoy the physical benefits and close social connections. 

The group was excited to film and raise awareness of Parkinson’s as well as the benefits of staying active. William said, "Filming was a little daunting for me since I've never been in front of a camera, but the crew were great. Our swimmers come from all walks of life and were delighted to take part." 

Explaining his motivation, William added, “Keeping active is the buzz word these days for Parkinson’s patients. Water based exercise reduces impact on the joints and allows the participants to do more than the equivalent land-based classes. 

“Having Parkinson’s can make people feel very isolated so the social interaction element can make as much impact on mental health as the physical. Ultimately I just like to see swimmers having a great time in the water so the more the merrier!”

The show will be available on BBC iPlayer on Monday 25th May. The Aquacise Class at Templemore Baths appears in Episode Four which is available on iPlayer from 25th May and airs on BBC One at 2pm on Thursday 28th May. 

If you live with Parkinson’s and wish to join the Aquacise classes you can go along every Wednesday from 7pm-8pm at the Templemore Baths, 96 Templemore Ave, Belfast, BT5 4FW. Classes are £3 per session but the first class is free. For more information contact William by email: [email protected]

Natalie Cassidy: Caring Together is part of a week-long spotlight on caring across the BBC, bringing together programming to reflect the realities of caring in the UK today.

Parkinson’s UK is the charity that’s here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. For information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.