Community
23 April, 2025
Neurological disorders didn’t hamper Easter spirit
A COMMUNITY rallied together to bring a little extra fun into their day during a monthly fitness class by dressing up in the name of Easter spirit.
Held at Cobden Community Fitness Centre on the third Tuesday of every month, the class is open to anyone with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or other neurological conditions.
The class was brought together from an idea formed by community members Cathy Merrett and Jo Beard, who said they noticed the lack of local opportunities for people with conditions like their own to gather together.
The fitness class is run by Carole Manifold, who said the idea to dress up for Easter this month came from Mrs Merrett.
“The dress up was just a fun idea,” Mrs Merrett said.
“There’s usually a few more in attendance.
“We do exercises together and support each other because everybody has a different story and it’s nice.”
Mrs Beard said she joined forces with Mrs Merrett to bring the group to life.
“The group is growing and more people are becoming aware of it,” she said.
“I think it’s important it’s noted that we all go through it together because people often just don’t really understand.
“They think we look okay but they don’t realise there’s stuff happening on the inside as well.
“Kathy and I spoke right back at the start and said let’s create our own group because there wasn’t anything locally without having to travel.”
Over 30,000 Australians live with multiple sclerosis according to data collected in 2021, and over 150,000 Australians are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Anyone can develop these conditions at any age and the symptoms are life-altering, affecting a person’s ability to move and co-ordinate, among other symptoms.
Classes like Mrs Manifold’s help people like Mrs Merrett and Mrs Beard maintain their mobility as well as remain connected to people within their local communities who experience similar hardships.
Read More: Cobden