England Boxing and the ‘How’s Thi’ Ticker?’ project

After scrubbing up on his Yorkshire colloquialisms, England Boxing apprentice JP supported the South Yorkshire-based project ‘How’s Thi’ Ticker?’ to deliver a ten-week programme to improve fitness and raise awareness around cardiovascular diseases.

‘How’s Thi’ Ticker?’ is a pre-existing NHS outreach programme in Barnsley, a community with higher-than-average hospital admissions for heart attacks.  It delivers free blood pressure checks in a community setting and aims to reduce high blood pressure, which in turn lowers the risk of strokes, angina, eyesight issues, kidney disease and heart attacks.

Following JP’s partnering with the project, boxing sessions began taking place alongside regular blood pressure checkups at the Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre. The sports centre setting provided a safe space free from the anxiety of the GP clinic setting and allowed for quick and convenient checks.

Sessions took place every Thursday and featured a mix of drills, pad work and fun non-contact games. The weekly routine gave participants a clear progression to potentially decrease their high blood pressure levels, with some expressing an interest in visiting local boxing clubs following the completion of the programme.

As is often the case with boxing sessions, the programme not only provided a physical release but attendees also opened up about their day-to-day struggles and stresses.

“The session made a real difference to those who attended, and they were more and more relaxed with each one. They always showed up looking forward to leaving their stresses behind for an hour or so.

“It was great to partner up with the ‘How’s Thi’ Ticker’ project, as it shows how good boxing is for health, both physically and mentally,” said England Boxing apprentice JP.

To learn more about the programme, visit the Healthy Barnsley Facebook page here.