Episode details

Radio Merseyside,12 Sep 2025,4 mins
Tommy: Power, Punches & Parkinson’s
Make a Difference: MerseysideAvailable for over a year
Meet Tommy O’Connor, a finalist for the Make a Difference Active Award 2025. Tommy, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, has channelled his passion for boxing to help others fight the effects of this condition. Drawing on his competitive boxing background in the army, he trained in the US as a Rocksteady Boxing Coach and returned to Widnes to establish one of the few gyms in the UK offering this specialised exercise regime. Tommy’s classes are tough, motivational, and compassionate. He pushes participants beyond what they think is possible, encouraging fitness, strength, and confidence while combating the physical and mental challenges of Parkinson’s. His dedication has transformed lives, improving mobility, wellbeing, and quality of life for many in the region.
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