Annie’s dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008 and sadly passed away in 2013. Not long after losing her dad she too was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, aged 47. She started playing walking football and became the sole female player of the Parkinson’s England Walking Football Squad. “My dad lived a really full and active life. He was strong, brave, stubborn and smiley, and a sublime footballer nicknamed “Tank”. It was utterly heartbreaking to see the best of him being taken by the worst that this condition has to offer. “I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s on the 1st of April 2015, age 47. In early 2020, I was introduced to 4 people who were unknowingly about to change my life. “I was invited by Northern Lights to play in a Parkinson’s Walking Football game. Up until this point, I had been playing Walking Rugby, a sport I knew well and felt safe with. Walking Football was a new challenge, out of my comfort zone. And yet, I loved it. “2022 was the year that changed my sporting life. One day in June, I received a text: “Save the date, England Trials – you’ve earned the chance.” I hesitated as my feelings of Imposter Syndrome kicked in, until the words of my wise youngest son rang in my ears, “You have nothing to lose and everything to gain – go for it!” “In July, I received the call to say I’d made the Parkinson’s England Walking Football Squad. I was standing with my son and we both grinned, then laughed at the absurdity of a middle-aged-Parkinson’s-Rugby-Mum turned international footballer! “I consider it a true honour to wear my England shirt – it is a moment I savour privately as I slip the jersey over my head. Every time I do so, I catch my breath, say a silent thank-you to my beloved Dad for being my ultimate inspiration. “I was convinced that there were more like-minded women with Parkinson’s out there, who would benefit from being part of something truly special. So I decided it was time to create my own force for good. And in June 2023, the PD Pioneers Women’s Walking Football Community was born. “Walking football has helped improve my stability, balance, and core strength. Learning a new skill has given me a sense of achievement, a feeling of belonging to something, and has brought me friendship and laughter, particularly on days when you feel that Parkinson's can take away so much from you.”
Your story of resilience in facing Parkinson's is truly inspiring, Annie. Your strength and perseverance shine through, motivating all of us. Thank you for sharing your journey and reminding us of the power of hope. 🌟
Absolutely fantastic well deserved. I have Parkinson’s too and play walking football it’s helped so much.
Andy Johns
1mo
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 great story 👍
Stuart Avery
1mo
I'm absolutely honoured to be part of their journey and it is a privilege to be able to give back to a community that has given me so much
Kevin Young
1mo
Hi Annie, please come play with my Parky Pals team at Cirencester any time, every 1st and 3rd Tuesday.
Adrian Banks
1mo
Well done keep it up What a strory
Dr Julie Jones
1mo
Wow, what a story, what an inspiration.
A fantastic story, thank you for sharing!