Robin England found out he had Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 70. 18 months later, Jan - his wife of over 30 years - was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

The couple knew that old age ‘wasn’t for sissies’ as they put it, but to discover they both had neurological conditions certainly ‘threw a spanner in the works’.

“We were planning to take care of each other as we got older. Now we’re not so sure what the future holds for the two of us, but we have a good life and we’re lucky we have such good family and friends to support us,” Jan says.

After being diagnosed, Robin and Jan’s neurologist recommended they start attending the gym to increase their mobility and balance. They were referred to MS and Parkinson’s Canterbury, a not-for-profit that provides information and support services.

The couple now go to the gym two to three times a week, where they are supervised by a physiotherapist. They’ve both seen improvements from regular exercise and each have a programme tailored to their needs.

“I’d never set foot in a gym in my life but it’s important to exercise when you have MS. I’ve got a programme to maintain my upper body strength so I can get in and out of my chair more easily and can get up if I fall – basic things like that,” Robin says.

Robin has also received speech therapy and attended two courses at MS and Parkinson’s Canterbury to help him manage his fatigue and connect with other people who are living with MS.

“We were planning to take care of each other as we got older. Now we’re not so sure what the future holds for the two of us...”

While extremely grateful that MS and Parkinson’s Canterbury exists, Robin and Jan have encountered some challenges due to the lack of space and equipment, and general run-down nature of the organisation’s current rented premises.

“It’s a very cramped space in the gym and you end up waiting around for the machines for a long time. There is also nowhere to sit while you’re waiting, which is difficult for people with MS and Parkinson’s, who struggle to stand up for long periods of time. The same goes for the workshop spaces, which are very small and lack room for a large group with walkers and wheelchairs,” Robin says.

The couple sees a definite need for a new and better building, with larger educational spaces and a modern gym. They are excited by MS and Parkinson’s Canterbury’s plans to establish an improved local facility for people with neurological conditions as part of the Canterbury Brain Collective.

“The people at MS and Parkinson’s Canterbury greet you like a long-lost friend and the support they provide is huge. Having the facility to match would make a big difference to people dealing with a diagnosis. Sometimes it’s a bit scary and it’s so important to have a welcoming place to go, with people around who really know what you’re going through,” Jan says.