AWPC was born as a result of a PUK Cambridge branch member survey held at the end of 2021 as we emerged from the covid pandemic.   It identified the two top requirements as a return of face to face meetings and an exercise provision. 

Deb decided to take up this challenge in tribute to her Dad, Graham Liddington, who had fought so bravely and valiantly against PD  with Paul's help. 

Deb and Paul started with one class a week in January 2022,  kindly supported by John Huntingdon's Charity in Sawston,  who thankfully believed in what they wanted to achieve and so agreed to meet the initial costs.  

The original eight brave PwP who had the courage to  walk through the doors that first week are all still with us. 

By February the class was already growing and it became obvious that a formal organisation needed to be established so that Deb could apply for grants to help cover the costs.  And so AWPC was formed.

AWPC continued to grow in that first year to provide a second weekly class of Nordic Walking.

Always in need of financial support to protect against  the impact on their income of the  inevitable absences caused by participants' condition, Deb approached PUK Cambridge .

In 2023 they generously agreed to support  for us 12 months by covering the cost of our venue hire as we progressed to three classes a week.

As demand increased, more classes were needed, so that by January 2024, we were providing 6 classes a week.

AWPC continues to work closely with both PUK Cambridge, who refer their members' exercise enquiries to us, as well as PUK's Regional Development Manager, Julie Wilson, with whom Deb closely liaises.   Julie's encouragement, help and advice is invaluable. 

WHEN YOU NEED SUPPORT AND INFORMATION

PUK Cambridge hold monthly meetings at the David Rayner Centre in Great Shelford, Cambs on the last Friday of each month. Membership is free. 

https://parkinsonscambridge.wordpress.com/

They also provide a very supportive monthly carers session held via zoom.

PUK main website provides a huge amount of useful information and support regarding all aspects of PD.

https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/