Woman with Parkinson’s wins medal in US athletics games

A wheelchair user with Parkinson’s disease has won a bronze medal in a major athletics competition in America.

Jules King, 45, from Pembrokeshire, qualified for the Adaptive CrossFit Games, held in Texas, in the major neuromuscular category.

She experienced her first symptom at the age of 19 when, whilst out dancing, her big toe curled up and she was unable to relax it.

By 35 she was unable to care for herself.

“I was unable to do anything for myself, needing 24-hour care,” said Ms King.

“I couldn’t even scratch an itch, it was a pretty dire place to be.”

After visiting a private neurologist she was then diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and received the correct medication to help manage her symptoms.

“I got diagnosed eventually, had the medication and it was like a miracle – I was walking around the house,” she said.

Ms King added she set herself a number of challenges, including competing in three triathlons.

It was her daughter Sophie who introduced her to CrossFit, which has helped to curb her Parkinson’s symptoms.

“It’s helped my balance, strength and getting the signals in my brain to the places they are meant to be, I’m sure of that,” said Ms King.

Parkinson’s is a currently incurable degenerative condition which affects how the brain communicates with the muscles in the body.

It is commonly associated with a visible tremor or muscle rigidity.

According to the NHS, it is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the brain, leading to a reduction in a chemical called dopamine which plays a vital role in regulating movement.

Tim Horton, the physical activity lead at Parkinson’s UK, said being active for just two-and-a-half hours a week can help manage Parkinson’s symptoms.

“I can be just as important as getting the right dose of medication,” he said.

“High intensity exercise can have a positive impact on the health and development of neurons in your brain.”