Students from Suffolk New College in Ipswich praised for their volunteer work helping those living with Parkinson's disease fight back through boxing

Two students from Suffolk New College in Ipswich have been volunteering their time to help people living with Parkinson's disease fight back against their condition.

Adam Beverley, 19, and Jamie Crofts, 20, have teamed up with Williams Martial Arts to offer support to those taking boxing classes at Nacton Road's Murrayside Youth and Community Centre.

Although the eight-week voluntary placement is set to come to an end soon, the two youths hope to continue volunteering for the group in the future.

Jamie who lives in Ipswich said: "You see people going through the struggle and I feel passionately about supporting them. I definitely want to help out in the future.

"It would be great to get more young people involved," he added.

Adam from Debenham said: "It’s been eye opening and enriching. There are no negatives to working with the community from my experience."

Gavin Williams, founder of Williams Martial Arts, hopes to offer more sessions for those living with Parkinson's in Bury St Edmunds and Colchester.

He said: "It’s great to have Adam and Jamie – they have been brilliant. They have been helping oversee sessions and supporting the classes."

One Ipswich local who has benefited from the classes is 82-year-old Ronald Frost.

"I’ve been involved in this for 18 months," he said. "You get a lot of good out of the classes and it helps you. Exercise can delay the progression of Parkinson’s.

"The students have really helped us. They are sympathetic and we realise that they are our future," he added.

James Scott, 56, from Ipswich has also taken part in the classes and has praised Adam and Jamie.

He said: "The students are very understanding. They encourage us and help with motivation.

"To other people who read this and think they can’t do it – I’d say, don’t be put off by the word boxing –there’s no punching. It really helps your confidence and I’d recommend this experience to

others. It’s relaxed, friendly and social," he added.

Olly Waters is a progress tutor for Uniformed Public Services at the college said: "Adam and Jamie are fantastic students and ambassadors for the College.

"I’m so proud to see what they have achieved and I envisage they will have a bright future."