Shepton Mallet Parkinson’s running scheme launched

By Laura Linham 6th Jul 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 6th Jul 2026

Shepton Mallet residents affected by Parkinson's are being encouraged to get active outdoors through a new partnership between England Athletics and Parkinson's UK. The scheme brings together England Athletics' social running programme, RunTogether, with Parkinson's UK's specialist knowledge.

The partnership is aimed at helping people living with Parkinson's, and their carers, stay active, connected and confident through inclusive running opportunities. The National Trust and Forestry England are also involved, providing green spaces and welcoming locations for groups.

Parkinson's UK estimates that around 166,000 people in the UK have Parkinson's, with someone diagnosed every 20 minutes. Research has shown that regular physical activity can help people with Parkinson's manage symptoms, improve balance and mobility, and support mental wellbeing.

As part of the partnership, England Athletics has delivered a Run Leader training course for people living with Parkinson's and their carers in Dorset, at the National Trust's Kingston Lacy. The course was the first in a series planned across the national RunTogether network.

Gary Shaughnessy CBE, chair of both England Athletics and Parkinson's UK, attended the training day in Dorset. He said the collaboration would help show that having a neurological condition should not stop people from feeling they can benefit from exercise.

He said: "It's not about what you can't do, it's about what you can do, and for me, that's the biggest thing about this partnership." He also welcomed the involvement of the National Trust, saying its green spaces could offer safe places for people whose symptoms may vary.

Caroline Rassell, chief executive of Parkinson's UK, said staying active was one of the best things someone with Parkinson's could do. She said the partnership would help more people explore whether running is for them in a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment.

People in Shepton Mallet who want to find out more about RunTogether groups supporting people with Parkinson's, or who are interested in becoming a Run Leader, can visit the RunTogether information page.