Living with Dementia Walking cricket helps Patrick feel good

First diagnosed with the disease two years ago, Patrick, 63, started taking part in weekly walking cricket sessions at Liskeard Leisure Centre less than three months ago. 

LBD shares the slow movement, rigidity and tremor characteristics of Parkinson’s and exercise is known to have many benefits for people living with these conditions. Having enjoyed cricket throughout his life, a walking version of the game became an obvious choice to help Patrick move more.

“We didn’t know walking cricket was a thing until we started looking for walking football groups,” said Nicky. 

“Liskeard runs one, but cricket was on first. As soon as Patrick saw it being played, he couldn’t wait to join in.”

Overseen by the Cornwall Cricket Board, walking cricket is played indoors with a soft ball. Everyone gets to bat, bowl and field and men and women encourage each other.

“It’s a safe way to play, meet new people and appreciate cricketing skills,” said Nicky. “Players just turn up and Steve Latham, who leads it, is brilliant at giving clear instructions that everyone can follow.

“As a physiotherapist, I can see the improvement in Patrick’s reflexes, posture, shoulder flexibility and balance and concentrating very hard for an hour is great for his brain health.”

Patrick’s lifelong cricketing hobby has seen him playing for teams wherever he went in the world – including Stoke Climsland, the University of Reading, Cheltenham, Jamaica and Australia. He’s opened batting on many occasions and although bowling has never been his preference, he enjoys getting better at it in the walking cricket sessions.

“There’s lots of banter – much more than in football,” said Patrick. “It makes me feel good.”

“Walking sports are designed to make physical activity inclusive and accessible for individuals of all ages and abilities,” said Steve Latham, GLL Community Sport Officer.

“It’s been a real privilege to see how well Patrick is progressing and how instinctively he responds to taking part in a game he has long known and loved. The group is mutually supportive and there’s always applause when someone bats, bowls or fields well.

If you would like to attend, we welcome people to join us on Thursday mornings 9am - 10am. 

For more information contact Steven.Latham@GLL.ORG