Meet The Team
Tommy
Head Coach (The Big Boss)
I started Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) following my Parkinsons (PD) diagnosis in 2013 and went straight into 3 yrs of denial, believing NHS had gotten it wrong. Then my hip went, and I couldn’t train as intensely as before. That’s when my PD symptoms became more visible, and I began to look at what pd is. I came across RSB in Indianapolis and went to discover how boxing my life long sport could fight pd symptoms. I was blown away to see it in action in the gym and knew straight away that this was something that would help me fight back. I’ve always been part of a team and quickly found that there were people close to me who would support me in building and developing the team. That support is very much present 4 years later.
Ste
Chairman
My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in 2014. In 2019, and after a period of dealing with the condition on our own, we discovered Rock Steady Boxing Widnes. Mum signed up and it wasn’t long before the benefits of regular exercise and conditioning began to return positive results. At that point I said that as soon as I could, I would volunteer where I could. Following my retirement from full time work early in 2023 I joined the team as a volunteer, mainly at the Widnes site but also at Warrington when I could. I continue to be inspired by the dedication of both the teams of coaches, volunteers and the boxers themselves. I have continued to help as much as I can, including odd job work at the Warrington site. Following the announcement of the retirement of the then chairperson Mags Horabin I was asked by Tommy O’Connor to consider stepping up to take the role. It just seemed like a natural progression for me and an area where I could be of benefit to the club. I will continue to support and help RSB Widnes & Warrington as much as I can
Karn
Lead Coach
10th March 2022 I walked into RSB Widnes to volunteer one session a week after seeing the amazing work they do on a tv programme. Not long after I changed jobs to make sure I could volunteer at most sessions every week. I was asked to become a coach at the Christmas time and haven’t looked back.
Email – ascoach2@rocksteadyboxingwidnes.co.uk
Tony
Coach
In 2022 I did a charity bike ride to raise funds for rock steady boxing it was a great event and everyone was so happy to be there. I have been boxing from a young age and it’s been a big part of my life so I was keen to find out how boxing could help others especially those with Parkinson’s
I knew exercise and boxing was good for physical and mental health and wellbeing but no idea is was so beneficial for a neurological disorder like Parkinson’s
Volunteering at rock steady boxing is a joy and I feel privileged to be part of the team
It’s amazing to see the benefits and it’s also great fun!
Jordan
Coach
Rock Steady Boxing was first introduced to me a few years ago, I coach at Terry Spencer’s Gym just before the Rock Steady crew come in. I was intrigued and started watching, then watching went to volunteering and I became so hooked, that I started the training programme to become a coach, I’m now happy to say it’s all paid off and I throughly enjoy running the Wednesday session!
Geraldine
Coach
Thea
Coach
I Started volunteering at Rock Steady Boxing in 2021 at the Friday session when I was 15. I’ve always loved the sport of boxing and have had a few amateur fights. I really wanted to be a part of RSBWW so I enquired about being a coach. I really enjoy supporting and helping to motivate the boxers, and I admire their ability to push through hard times and their drive. I have a passion for boxing and helping people achieve their gials so I decided to go further and get my coaching qualification. I have now completed the RSB training and am taking the classes for our Rock Steady Boxers… i’n really excited about this opportunity.
Michelle
Admin And Social Media
I first got involved with the Rock Steady Boxing journey over 6 years ago. I’ve known Tommy for over 13 years, an old gym buddy had bumped into Tommy at the gym and he explained he had been diagnosed with Parkinson and wasn’t going to let it stop him from living life, he was still training at the local gym, but had seen a boxing programme online and he wanted to train to be an instructor and bring the course back to the uk! 5 years later he’s done it.
I’m too deep into our amazing club and PD super hero’s to think of doing anything else. With our New Warrington Hub up and running I’m busier than ever behind the scenes.
I do drive all the members mad with my e-mails and what’s app announcements, i’m even known to volunteer in the odd session or 2, which normally entails in me distracting everyone, so back to the office I go … I get banished