Prior to being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease five years ago, Stuart Spurr was an energised man who never considered for a moment he’d be using a walking stick or relying on a walking frame... “when you are able bodied, walking sticks, frames and wheelchairs are a fleeting glance that does not really register with you”. Yet, nearly a quarter of New Zealand’s population has some form of long-lasting impairment. 

“I had all but become a recluse, isolating myself at home”. Stuart was told about Green Prescription and eventually, out of family concerns, approached his GP and asked for help. 

By this time, Stuart had gone from having a little twitch, to being in excruciating pain and unable to sleep or walk properly. When Stuart attended his first exercise class, facilitated by Sport Canterbury South Canterbury’s Green Prescription, he was reliant on his walking frame and unable to do many simple daily tasks that are often taken for granted. “My brain simply was not connecting to my body”.  

From a typical Parkinson’s shuffle, within weeks of attending the weekly class, Stuart started to regain his confidence, “I was standing steadily, walking correctly and able to get out of my chair unassisted. I am not cured, but more independent”. 

Alongside the support of Green Prescription, Stuart also participated in a ‘Stay On Your Feet’ 10-week strength and balance programme, also facilitated through Sport South Canterbury. “I had an issue with falling and this class [Stay On Your Feet] has immensely helped me with learning balancing techniques”. 

Stuart is now regularly attending Live Stronger for Longer classes, with renewed confidence in his abilities and managing his Parkinson’s symptoms. 

Green Prescription is a free service that provides support and encouragement around making healthy lifestyle changes. If you want to increase your physical activity levels and improve your wellbeing, ask your GP or nurse about Green Prescription today.

You can also refer yourself by visiting our website and completing the self-referral form.