Pickleball is Transforming Lives: People with Parkinson’s in Guernsey are seeing physical and mental benefits from playing pickleball, a new activity offered by Parkinson’s Guernsey. The charity runs weekly sessions at the Guernsey Table Tennis Centre, where members join for free as part of its growing list of social and fitness events.
Exercise Boosts Health and Fights Loneliness
Parkinson’s Guernsey offers members many free weekly activities to help them stay active and connected. One of the most popular is pickleball, which has been part of the program for over a year. The sport is held indoors and supports physical movement and social bonding.
Melanie Hardouin, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Doing daily exercise can slow down or stop the progression of the disease completely.”
Parkinson’s disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the brain, which reduces dopamine levels. This affects movement, memory, and motivation. But exercise can increase dopamine and improve symptoms.
Along with pickleball, members can join other activities such as walking football, table tennis, boxing, yoga, coffee mornings, and charity events like Guernsey Mobility Let’s Go at Beau Sejour.
Real Progress from Play
Miss Hardouin said the group sessions have been helping members stay healthy and feel less isolated. Many are seeing big improvements in fitness.
“We’ve got lots of members saying they feel fitter now than they did years ago, even before their diagnosis. One of our members was walking with a stick for a long time and now she’s running.” – (Hardouin)
Pickleball started in America and has become popular around the world. Miss Hardouin added it to the activity list after trying it herself.
“I have seen so many improvements in people since they started playing.” – (Hardouin)
The game is similar to table tennis but played on a court using a paddle and a light plastic ball. It’s easy to learn and open to all skill levels.
“I think the fact that you’re mobilised, you’ve got plans and you’re doing sports – emotionally and mentally it’s so good. After pickleball we always go for a coffee and socialise. It’s very active and lively and it’s lovely to see everybody from different backgrounds, sharing some things together.” – (Hardouin)
Members Share Their Stories
About 100 people belong to Parkinson’s Guernsey, and more than 20 now play pickleball regularly.
“The first time I came I could hardly hit a ball. But now I get a few rallies in. It’s good fun and really motivational, I feel more like doing stuff now than I think I’ve ever done.” – (Member Sue Whitlock)
She said the sport has lifted her mood and brought her closer to others.
“I can only think of positive things, even to how I’m feeling inside. I mean, I’ve always been a bit of a laugher, but I find I’ve got more to laugh about now.” – (Whitlock)
Pickleball’s Positive Impact
Parkinson’s Guernsey is helping people live better through simple, fun activities. Pickleball is one of the most successful, offering members a way to move, laugh, and make friends. As more members join in, the charity’s impact is growing — one paddle at a time.
News in Brief: Pickleball is Transforming Lives
Parkinson’s Guernsey offers free pickleball to help members stay active and social. Held at the Guernsey Table Tennis Centre, the game improves fitness and mental health. Members report big progress and joy from playing. The activity joins a list of weekly programs designed to fight loneliness and boost wellness.
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