When Vicky’s dad, John, passed away in 2022, Vicky launched ‘Pilates 4 Parkinson’s’, combining her passion for movement with an honourary fundraiser for Parkinson’s awareness, research, and support. Taking place within the stunning Hubert Estate Gallery of Art space in the Yarra Valley, Vicky offered an hour-long guided mat Pilates session to the community. This year, the second ‘Pilates 4 Parkinson’s’ event raised over $4,000 for Fight Parkinson’s.
“…The number of people who are being diagnosed with Parkinson’s on a daily basis in Australia is increasing, so just to be able to provide that funding for support is really important to me,” said Vicky.
Originally, Vicky provided Pilates training to a cohort of young people, but it was her dad’s diagnosis that `inspired her to train with an older audience, especially those who live with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders. Ten years later, Vicky continues to train with a wide range of individuals, mostly aged between 60 and 95–focusing on functional Pilates to maintain body functionality.
“It is good for maintaining health, and during the diagnosis. I focus on functional Pilates, doing movements that assist with balance and fine motor skills and mobility. All those things combined help people pre- and post-diagnosis,” she said.
Vicky also said that maintaining movement and strength in the legs was very important because it can help to reduce the risk of falls and the subsequent deterioration that often follows. Remembering the walks that she would take together with her dad, and their conversations on football, Vicky said that John was “quite good, until he was not able to walk”.
“…And then he fell, and then he ended up in hospital, and then we weren’t able to care for him because his needs were so high.”
At this year’s ‘Pilates 4 Parkinson’s’, 90 people attended the event, which included a DJ, an array of grazing platters and beverages, as well as a pop-up store offering some giveaways from the activewear brand, LSKD.
“The event had such a great atmosphere,” recalled Vicky, “It was high energy, so positive, people were so keen to be involved.”
A very big thank you to Vicky for her tremendous efforts, and the entire ‘Pilates 4 Parkinson’s’ community for their generous support.
If you are interested in hosting your own fundraiser for Fight Parkinson’s, please visit Support Fight Parkinson’s Through Community Fundraising & Events or contact our fundraising team on (03) 8809 0400 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm).
A note from the Fight Parkinson’s Health Team: Pilates can be a great way to stay physically active, however it is important to consider your individual capability and seek guidance from health professionals, such as a physiotherapist to guide exercise prescription.
