Pride of Guernsey: Paul Wheatley

Paul has been nominated for the work he does as a development officer and coach for Guernsey Walking Football, which works with charities such as Parkinson’s Guernsey.

Walking football has many benefits for people with Parkinson’s. The main symptoms are tremors, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness, which can be relieved by playing walking football as kicking a football often triggers a muscle memory.

His nominator, who wishes to remain anonymous, said Paul ‘hopes that soon he can get MS patients involved to help with their similar symptoms’.

‘Paul’s efforts have shown that everyone can be included and enjoy sport, regardless of health conditions or ability.

‘People with these types of health conditions can often feel isolated, and so Paul ensures that everyone enjoys themselves, socialises with others and gets some fresh air.’

Paul has also got people with dementia involved with the sport to keep them active.