Parkinson’s UK team joins walking football KGV event
PARKINSON’S UK’S football team has been in Guernsey, seeing how a local walking football team has been helping people with health conditions.
At the weekend people with illnesses, such as Parkinson’s, dementia, diabetes and heart problems, were able to pop down to try walking football at the KGV on the Saturday, while the local Wednesday Wellbeings team took on the Parkinson’s UK team on Sunday.
Wednesday Wellbeings coach John Casey, known as JC, said they had new people coming down on Saturday to see what the sport was like.
A coach would work with them to see what they are capable of, and then they would go from there.
‘It’s not about pushing people,’ said Mr Casey.
‘It’s about them enjoying it. It’s about getting them out in the fresh air and getting exercise.’
Charles Cooper, 73, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s eight years ago. He joined the football team a couple of years ago.
‘I like the exercise – exercise is very important for people with Parkinson’s,’ he said.
The illness has affected his life, causing him to have falls. He gets good support from medical staff at the PEH, but he said the walking football was more fun.
‘We have a real mix of people,’ he said.
England Parkinson’s walking football manager Stuart Carrington was in the island with 13 players.
He said it was great to see what is happening in Guernsey.
‘It’s fantastic,’ he said.
‘We’ve been made to feel so welcome. We wanted to know about what they do in Guernsey and build friendships.’
He said the interest in walking football had ballooned in the UK, from just a couple a few years ago to more than 30 now.
Mr Casey said despite losing 2-0 to the Parkinson’s UK team on Sunday, it had been a wonderful weekend and they had raised £500 for the charity.
Mr Casey said they were grateful to Sheppards estate agents for sponsoring the weekend.
The Wednesday Wellbeings play at the KGV between noon and 1pm every Wednesday. Anyone wanting to try it out is welcome to come along.
