An interview with Sarah Frow, The Athlete within: Fighting Parkinson’s with Exercise as my Medicine
Biography
My name is Sarah Frow. I am 49 years old. I’m married to Mike, a doctor at the Royal Marsden Hospital. We have two boys, George 15yrs and Cameron 13yrs. We live in a beautiful town called Tenterden, in the county of Kent, UK.
I am the Exercise Lead at the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy, PCIT, at the University of Kent. I bring over 20 years of experience as a Personal Trainer.
I’m a keen runner. I was introduced to running by my parents. Oe of my early memories of racing was at the ‘Live Aid’ Run for Kent, in Folkestone 1986 — nearly 40 years ago. My love of running grew from track and cross country, to later progressing to 10km, half marathons, marathons and ultras.
But in 2021, my relationship with exercise changed forever. “Sarah, you have Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease.” Those words landed heavily. You never forget how they make you feel. Like many people, I was flooded with questions: Why has this happened to me? What caused it? What does this mean for my future? Is there anything I can do to fight this?
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
Since my diagnosis I made the decision: I won’t let Parkinson’s define me. I face it head on. I use my experience and understanding positively within the Parkinson’s community. I support people with their Parkinson’s and encourage them to exercise and keep active.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
Exercise is my passion. Living with Parkinson’s is like managing life like an athlete. You have to train it, fuel it well, prioritize its rest, and maintain a healthy mindset. I encourage people to keep moving to slow disease progression and live the best version of themselves, whilst we patiently hope and wait for a cure!
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
I want to help people realize that Parkinson’s does not have to feel like a death sentence. My advocacy encourages individuals to stay active and discover sports they are passionate about. By tackling challenges like the London Marathon, or running 155miles in under a week; I aim to provide a visible example of resilience. I want them to see that despite the diagnosis; they can still push their boundaries and do remarkable things.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
I teach Parkinson’s specific classes combined with cardiovascular and strength training, and one to ones. My approach is moving with purpose: large explosive movements, complex arm and leg patterns, coordination and balance, dual tasking exercises combined with voice, or cognitive challenges. We target neuroplasticity: the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
My advocacy provides living proof that a Parkinson’s diagnosis is not a final limit. For an individual struggling with their new reality, seeing me running, and taking my exercise classes breaks the frailty stigma. It gives them permission, and the confidence to set bold goals and redefine what living with Parkinson’s looks like.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
My goal is to ensure that exercise becomes a cornerstone of Parkinson’s care from day one. I want to see a shift where neurologists emphasize the vital importance of movement alongside medication at the point of diagnosis. Currently, too many people in the UK leave their initial appointments without the information they need; I am working to bridge that gap by fostering a community where people don’t just exercise, but learn to love it together.
What events do you participate in?
“Tryathlon” run by Sport Parkinson’s (2025)
“Fighting Fit Weekend” run by PCIT and Parkinson’s UK (2024 & 2025) presented a talk on “Exercise as Medicine”
Kent and Medway Medical School, Psychiatry Conference, January 2026 presented a workshop on “My Lived Experience of Parkinson’s Disease and the Power of Exercise”.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
At the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy, we provide dedicated support for the caregivers and companions of Parkinson’s disease. Our psychology team provide individual and group support, these include: understanding Parkinson’s and its initial impact on relationships, coping with the emotional adjustments, building a support network and accessing resources and planning for the future while navigating the present
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
email: parkinsons@kent.ac.uk
Tel: 01227 824 775
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Make noise, spread the word, keep talking, keep learning and share, share, share.
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
Personal, honest narratives are the most effective way to influence and help people understand the daily impact of this complex disease.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
In the UK, Cure Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s UK and SpotlightYOPD are doing an amazing job. We have to keep plugging away!
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
Exercise every day! Keep active. Listen to your body. Drink plenty of water and good coffee. Eat a healthy balance diet. Go outdoors. Walk in nature. Surround yourself with people who make you smile and laugh. Make precious memories with your family and friends. Make time for hugs!
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological disease. There is a misconception that it is an old person’s disease – it’s not! Parkinson’s does not discriminate; it can happen to anyone. Cases are projected to increase by over 25 million worldwide by 2025! This is catastrophic!
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
No
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
“Take On Me” by A-ha, adored since the 80’s, makes me want to dance and sing. The lyrics resonate;
“So, needless to say
I’m odds and ends
But I’ll be stumblin’ away
Slowly learnin’ that life is okay”
I was sad to hear that lead singer Morten Harket, also has Parkinson’s.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
I love this quote from Robert Butler:
“If exercise could be packaged in a pill, it would be the single most widely prescribed and beneficial medicine in the nation.”
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TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure. Sharon’s Son, George
Support https://www.togetherforsharon.com/shop/
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