Liskeard Walking Cricket Group Helps Player With Lewy Body Dementia

There’s a session running every Thursday morning at Liskeard Leisure Centre that’s quietly changing things for one local family.

Patrick, 63, was diagnosed with Young Onset Lewy Body Dementia two years ago. Less than three months ago, he started taking part in weekly walking cricket sessions, and his wife Nicky Thompson, a 55-year-old physiotherapist, says the difference has been hard to miss.

A chance discovery

The couple weren’t actually looking for cricket. They were searching for walking football groups when they came across the cricket session at Liskeard.

“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.”

It made sense. Patrick has played cricket throughout his life, turning out for teams at Stoke Climsland, the University of Reading, Cheltenham, and further afield in Jamaica and Australia. He’s opened the batting on many occasions over the years.

What is Lewy Body Dementia?

Lewy Body Dementia is one of the most common types of dementia, caused by clumps of protein called Lewy bodies building up inside brain cells. It can affect movement, thinking, memory, sleep and mood. Young onset refers to cases diagnosed before the age of 65, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.

How the game works

LBD shares the slow movement, rigidity and tremor characteristics of Parkinson’s, and exercise is known to bring many benefits for people living with these conditions. A walking version of a game Patrick already loved was an obvious fit.

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 through the session.

“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, she’s well placed to spot the changes. “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.”

The banter is part of it

Bowling has never been Patrick’s strongest suit, but he’s enjoying getting better at it. And the social side of the sessions has clearly landed.

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

Three walking sports back to back

The sessions are run by GLL, the not-for-profit social enterprise that operates nine leisure centres in Cornwall on behalf of the council under the Better brand.

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

“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,” he said. “The group is mutually supportive and there’s always applause when someone bats, bowls or fields well.”

Thursday mornings at Liskeard now run three sessions back to back: walking cricket from 9 to 10, walking football from 10 to 11, and walking netball from 11 to 12. Anyone over 50 can join in.

More information is available on the Liskeard Leisure Centre senior activities page, or by emailing [email protected].