Les Darvill, aged 66, received a life-changing diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease at the age of 58, after beginning to experience tremors. The news severely affected his confidence, leading him to isolate himself at home for a long period. Concerned for her father’s wellbeing, his daughter Gemma Darvill, 36, sought a way to help him reconnect with others and regain a sense of purpose.
Noticing that a local walking football club called ‘Fighting Fit’ had open spaces, Gemma encouraged her dad to give it a try. “I said, ‘Come on Dad, what have you got to lose?'” she recalled. Since joining, Les has thrived, attending weekly sessions and participating in tournaments, which Gemma credits with saving his life.
“I genuinely believe it saved his life,” Gemma said, reflecting on her father’s journey from isolation to active participation.
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Inspired by the impact this club had on her father, Gemma became involved in establishing a women’s walking football club specifically for women living with Parkinson’s disease. Based in Solihull, the Parkinson’s Pioneers Women’s Walking Football Community meets at the Solihull Football Centre, chosen for its central location, attracting participants from across the UK-from Devon to Manchester.
Now in its third year, the club provides a safe, social environment where women aged from their 30s to 80s can support one another and enjoy physical activity tailored to their needs. Gemma, a primary school teacher with a background in physical education, travels regularly from Milton Keynes to help run the sessions.
Expanding her involvement, Gemma serves as head coach and manager for Parkinson’s England Walking Football Team, which is preparing for an upcoming trip to Canada in September. The visit aims to showcase how exercise can alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms. To support this endeavour, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise necessary funds.
Gemma warmly invites anyone living with Parkinson’s looking to join the football community and also offers assistance to men with the condition seeking local teams. Accompanying the team to Canada will be Gemma’s young son Hudson, donning his ‘mascot’ t-shirt that he proudly wears at meet-ups.
This story highlights how sport and community can play a vital role in improving quality of life for those affected by Parkinson’s disease, turning personal challenge into collective empowerment.