Eight years ago, my family’s life changed forever when my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Like so many families facing this diagnosis, we were frightened by what the future might hold. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and many aspects of daily life. Watching someone you love face those challenges is incredibly difficult.

But then we discovered walking football.

What started as a way for my dad to stay active quickly became so much more. Walking football gave him purpose, friendship, confidence, and a reason to keep fighting back against the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Quite simply, it changed – and I truly believe saved – his life.

Seeing the incredible impact that exercise and community can have inspired me to get involved. Today, I run Parkinson’s Pioneers, the world's only all-female walking football team for women living with Parkinson’s. Every month I witness the difference that sport, teamwork, and determination make to the lives of our players.

I am also incredibly proud to have recently been appointed Head Coach and Manager of the Parkinson’s England Walking Football Team.

This September, we have the opportunity to travel to Canada to represent England, raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease on an international stage, and showcase the life-changing benefits that walking football can have in slowing the progression of symptoms and improving quality of life.

This journey is about much more than football.

It is about giving hope to people living with Parkinson’s. It is about showing families that a diagnosis does not mean the end of an active, fulfilling life. It is about encouraging more communities around the world to embrace walking football as a powerful tool for physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connection.

The funds raised will help cover travel, accommodation, tournament expenses, and the costs associated with promoting Parkinson’s awareness throughout our trip.

Every donation, no matter the size, will help us share an important message: Parkinson’s may change lives, but it does not have to define them.

Thank you for supporting our mission and helping us take this message from England to Canada. Together, we can inspire more people living with Parkinson’s to stay active, stay connected, and keep moving forward.

Please donate if you can, and share our story with your friends, family, and community.