Pushing Back Against Parkinson’s: Eric’s Journey with Shrewsbury Town Foundation

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Eric first became involved with the Shrewsbury Town Foundation after attending a Parkinson’s branch meeting in Shrewsbury, where he heard about Exercise on Referral. It was through this programme that he was able to take part in regular exercise sessions, specifically tailored for each person’s own needs, giving him support with his Parkinson’s.

Since joining the programme, Eric has become a regular participant in a range of activities, from boxing and circuit training to gym work and cycling. He praises the Foundation’s team for their inclusive approach, making each session adaptable for everyone, regardless of their abilities.

For Eric, these sessions have made a tremendous difference.

Attending three walking football sessions and a Parkinson’s-specific exercise class each week has improved his strength, balance, coordination, and mobility.

Beyond the physical benefits, Eric values the social aspect, having formed lasting friendships with others in the group. “I would be completely lost without it,” he says, reflecting on the profound impact these programmes have had on his life.

Eric is also active in sessions run by Shrewsbury’s Parkinson’s UK branch, finding the variety essential in keeping him engaged.

His message to anyone considering joining? “Give it a go! Exercise is just as important as medication. Push back against Parkinson’s—you won’t regret it!”.

Foundation of Light’s Neurological Walking Football participants united by strength

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The Foundation of Light’s Neurological Walking Football provision started as a weekly one-hour football session but it soon became the hub for those with neurological conditions to unite together.

Now hosting around 15 regular attendees, the team call themsleves the North East Parkies United with participants travelling from around the North-East to be part of it.

“After coming along for a session, I immediately loved the community spirt and physical activity,” said participant Adrian Wrigley who travels from Billingham to Sunderland weekly to take part.

“I was formally diagnosed with Parkinson’s four years ago and I have heavy tremors on my left-hand side and starting on the right.

“I’ve actually had some symptoms for the last ten years or so undiagnosed.

“It’s progressing, but I’m trying to stay as active and positive as possible. In keeping your body moving and the neurological network active, it can help slow the decline.

“There’s so many positive benefits to these sessions, I’ve never looked back really.”

Following the hour of football games and drills, participants head to the Beacon of Light café to socialise.

Adrian also enjoys this aspect of the programme, adding: “We always have a coffee and what becomes a bit of a whinge together.

“We match up our symptoms, support networks, and talk about activities going on.

“The social aspects, keeping your mental wellbeing, just having a chat and cracking on with the team, is really important.

“Often with Parkinson’s, your voice is a muscle that if you don’t use it, you lose it.”

“We have now formed a team, North East Parkies United,” Adrian explained about the upcoming competition.

“The ‘United’ is because we all come from different teams, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Sunderland, and we even allow Hartlepool.”

The North East Parkies United team will head to St. George’s Park on Saturday 19 April to compete together for the first time.

Paul Campbell was one of the early members of the programme at the beginning of 2022.

“I didn’t envisage this at all when I first came,” he said on the development of the group.

“I’m very proud of everyone who comes along, because they’ve all contributed. We help each other out, and it has been fantastic to now form an official team.”

Paul, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2010, has been managing his condition by keeping active through Foundation of Light’s Neurological Walking Football.

“It makes a hell of a difference,” he added.

“For one thing, it just takes your mind off everything, you forget that you have Parkinson’s when you are on the pitch.

“It’s a great group of people. I look forward to spending time with them every Tuesday and I’m looking forward to competing together.”

 

How the CARE programme with Notts County Foundation helped Jean live a quality life.

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Sadly, Jean recently passed away after her battle with cancer but the CARE programme at Notts County Foundation ensured she was able to live a high quality, positive life despite her cancer diagnosis.

The Cancer and Rehabilitation Exercise (CARE) programme is a group-based exercise initiative for any individual at any stage of their cancer recovery or treatment. From pre-treatment preparation through with and beyond cancer, the CARE programme is there for any individual to enjoy their exercise alongside a likeminded group of individuals.

Prior to her passing, she spoke about her story in hope that she could help and support others.

“Before I got diagnosed with my cancer I was really outgoing and constantly on the move and never spent a full day at home. The day I got told,  my world shut down and I just didn’t know what to do or how to go about my life. I began my journey after my operation and started with a group at Nottingham City Hospital Prehab unit which was called ‘Prehab 2 Rehab’ where I met Lisa, Josh and Tom. I did 4 sessions of exercise which some of the movements I didn’t know I could do or was allowed to do. I really enjoyed the group and heard the next step was to join CARE.

My first session on CARE was an eye opener! I couldn’t believe the amount of people that attend and also how friendly, and wonderful the people are in the group. It helped me knowing Tom and Lisa before attending my first session. During my 12 weeks I have built up my strength to help me with my housework and my family can’t believe how easily I can get around. Not only has the group helped with my balance, strength and endurance it has helped build my confidence back up to where I was before my diagnosis.

From CARE I had the confidence to go on the CARE summer outing on my own knowing that people from the group were going to be there. I still attend CARE as I have finished my 12 weeks, and I feel now nothing is holding me back and I can do what I want to do with my friends and family and this is down to me attending CARE and learning to trust my body and know my new limits.”

 

Huddersfield Town walking football sessions provides Dave with an outlet post cancer diagnosis

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In 2021, Dave was diagnosed with stage 3/4 bowel cancer. After consultation at the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Dave had most of his bowel system removed and thought he was in the clear.

After six months of recuperation, Dave felt confident enough to get back involved in the Huddersfield Town Foundation walking football sessions. He reguarly attended both sessions every week and felt it was improving his physical and mental health.

Unfortunately, in January 2023 after a regular check, cancer was found again in his right lung and Dave had to have 50% of his lung removed in July 2023. With encouragement from family and friends, Dave was determined to get back to the sessions he loved at Huddersfield Town.

Sue Bretton (Dave’s Wife) said: “Dave benefits from the exercise which he needs, but he also really benefits from being around the other chaps, because men don’t always talk, but in a session like this they can. They help each other and that helps those of us who live with them. Dave loves to come down and without the football Dave wouldn’t have anything activity wise to look forward to every week, but this is a place where Dave doesn’t have to put on a show for anyone – he can be himself and get the most he can out of it.”

 

Neil has been on an incredible and moving journey with Active Recovery Derby County Community Trust.

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When Debry Coutny Community Trust were first introduced to Neil, he was supporting his wife who had been diagnosed with stage four cancer. Six months later, Neil was given his own stage four diagnosis of prostate cancer but was already aware of the support and programme in place.

It became clear that Neil was really benefiting from having people around him. This was key in helping him cope after his wife sadly passed away.

Neil said: “Lee was one of the first members of staff I spoke to. When my wife died, he put his arm around me and told me he will always be there to help me with anything, even just someone to talk to.”

Neil became more committed to the programme and isn’t shy about trying new things. He initially started off with the walking group, before trying his hand at the gym, Fit Therapy, aquarobics and ‘Hub not a Pub’ – an evening social group. In this time, Neil has got to know several of the staff. He appreciates all their efforts:

“Hannah is always supportive. Claire is bubbly and you can’t help feeling upbeat after her sessions and Adam is a good laugh and tells us all to try our best but have fun along the way.”

It’s not just the staff that has made a difference for Neil. Active Recovery has given him a new sense of purpose. Neil also said: “There are so many friends and people I now know… I’m so glad I joined when I did. I feel part of a team.”

Neil has come a long way under the programme and feels he wouldn’t be where he is without it.

“My cancer isn’t going away… it’s still there, but I am going to stay as healthy as I can, so I can fight it as long as I can, and this programme is wonderful for that. I am so grateful for everyone who has helped me get as far as I have.”

Above all, Neil can be himself and look for support when he needs it. Whether that’s joining in with a social element with other cancer fighters or pushing for better fitness, he feels as though everyone is encouraging you to do your best.

Sian and Dave’s Journey to Health and Happiness through FIT BLUEBIRDS

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In January 2024, husband and wife Sian and Dave joined the Llanrumney cohort of our FIT BLUEBIRDS programme. It was their daughter Claire, who had previously completed the FIT FANS initiative, that encouraged them to join, believing they would enjoy and benefit from it. Looking for something to reignite their energy, they signed up together, hoping it would give them a renewed sense of purpose.

Both Sian and Dave found themselves stuck in a routine that left little room for healthy habits. With busy schedules as grandparents, they often neglected their own wellbeing, making poor food choices and feeling unmotivated to exercise. They needed a new approach, something that would put a spring in their step and help them feel more energetic.

Dave lost 7kg and Sian lost 4kg, but more importantly, they made lasting changes in their lives. They started making healthier food choices, like swapping chips for boiled potatoes or salads, and incorporating protein-rich snacks into their diets. These small, achievable adjustments not only improved their nutrition but also felt sustainable in the long term.

Since completing the programme, Sian and Dave have remained committed to daily walks, regularly monitoring their weight and blood pressure, and continue attending weekly circuit sessions led by FIT BLUEBIRDS Coach Matt. These sessions offer ongoing support to past participants, helping them stay fit and healthy, beyond the 12-week programme.

Dave even joined the walking football session, and cycling has become a regular part of his routine. Meanwhile, Sian has rejoined her weekly Tai Chi class. This newfound joy and vitality have also spread throughout their family, giving them a renewed energy as busy grandparents.

FIT BLUEBIRDS gave the couple more than just physical health improvements—it gave them the tools to maintain a balanced and happy lifestyle together, ensuring they stay fit and healthy for years to come.

This programme, part of the EFL in the Community’s FIT FANS initiative, has helped thousands of people like Sian and Dave achieve long-term improvements in weight loss, physical activity, diet, and overall wellbeing, making them healthier and happier for themselves and their loved ones.

To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

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    Huddersfield Town’s wellbeing programme rescues Mihai

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    When Mihai Luchenciuc relocated to Yorkshire in his early teens from Romania to live with his older sister, leaving behind his parents and other family members, he began to battle with isolation and mental health challenges. 

    Mihai, aged 19, experienced symptoms of low mood and psychosis.  

    After initial treatment, and the care of the local NHS Psychosis Team, they wanted to engage Mihai in positive activity where he could feel safe and included. 

    Also due to the medication prescribed for his mental health, Mihai experienced weight gain, so it was hoped that by attending wellbeing football activity it would have holistic benefits for him. His care coordinator brought him to Huddersfield Town Foundation’s weekly Wellbeing Football and Heads Up sessions. 

    Gregory Russell, from the NHS Psychosis Team supported Mihai during his recovery. “My job is to work with Mihai to help him achieve his goals, and in doing so, attempt to coordinate and provide him with care,” Gregory said. “In our time working together, Mihai identified goals as starting to make friends, feeling like he fitted in in the local area, to lose weight and get back into education.  

    “Football is a huge stress deterrent for Mihai, the group has also made him feel like he belongs in the local area, given him something to attend each week and allowed us to work on his confidence in many ways.” 

    Mihai has developed new friendships and his mental health has improved, thanks to local NHS support and the variety of provisions on offer by Huddersfield Town Foundation, the Club’s official charity. The Foundation wanted to set up a session that specifically helped local members of the community with their mental health, and Heads Up was born in October 2023. 

    Oliver Cundill, Health Manager at Huddersfield Town Foundation said: “I feel his footballing ability is dramatically improving week by week. 

    “His engagement with the other participants on the session has been great, making key friendships that have benefited him away from the session He has enjoyed coming along to a session where he can confidentially share his struggles away from the sessions.” 

    Men in Sheds with Blackburn Rovers Community Trust “the best thing” Ross has done.

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    “Coming to Men in Sheds is the best thing I’ve ever done, and I’ve met a bunch of great people.”

    To mark World Mental Health Day 2024, Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s Men in Sheds participant Ross has shared his story on how his Clubs chairity has supported him.

    In the past two months, Blackburn Rovers have helped more than 100 participants through various provisions focused on mental wellbeing.

    During this time, Men in Sheds has helped 25 different people, including Blackburn Rovers supporter Ross, who has been attending the sessions for more than five years.

    Men in Sheds is run in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council; with the aim of supporting men in the community to discuss their mental health and develop new skills in a safe environment.

    The group meet up on a weekly basis and have developed close friendships courtesy of the Men in Sheds programme.

    And Ross has since made new friends, gained confidence and attended group trips across the UK, including to Belfast.

    “I joined the Men in Sheds group to improve my mental health and see where it would take me,” admitted Ross.

    “It has really helped. The programme has helped me get my first ever job as a steward at Blackburn Rovers and build up my employability skills.

    “I have enrolled on other Community Trust programmes such as the Community Ambassadors programme and they have helped me enormously. My confidence has been restored by meeting new people and supporting others too.”

    Since joining Men in Sheds, Ross has reported a positive change in his mental wellbeing, and has now got a full time job at a warehouse in Blackburn.

    He continued: “We have done some great things together at Men in Sheds, including maintaining a garden as a group, as a team building exercise, and we have also gone on an annual trip to Belfast to meet a likeminded group in Northern Ireland.

    “It has had a really positive effect on my mental health, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Men in Sheds.”

    Ilyas Patel, Blackburn Rovers Community Trust Inclusion Manager, added: “When Ross first came to Men in Sheds, within the first couple of weeks of Ross attending, we were launching the Community Ambassadors programme.

    “The Community Ambassadors was a free 12-week accredited programme that was open to anyone over the age of 16 who wanted the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and become more involved in local life through working with others on projects that improve their neighborhoods.

    “I thought it would be good for Ross to be part of that. At first, he wasn’t too sure, but I told him he could walk away any time, but he completed the full 12 week programme.

    “It was about confidence building and at that time he didn’t feel comfortable being around others. He was in a room with 30 others, but that is what built up his confidence, talking to others and doing group work.

    “Supporting people now is one of his greatest qualities, and his mum is really proud of him for what he has achieved.

    “We’ve got to a stage now where the guys will open up about their feelings and everyone checks in on each other, and that’s the beauty about this group.”

    Leyton Orient Trust’s Community Space & Hub provides Novelett with a new lease of life.

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    Novelett has been attending her local Club, Leyton Orient’s Trust Community Space and Hub for a year after recommendation from a friend.

    The Hub and Community Space is a place for Waltham Forest’s resident community to come together and enjoy activities but also be signposted to help and advice if they need it.

    The Community Space and Hub enables people to make the most of their time. With friendships, support and being socially active at the forefront of the Hubs aims, they provide people with opportunities to build, improve and manage their physical, mental and social wellbeing.

    Novelett started getting sciatica and struggled to move, and after receiving physiotherapy she was told that she should increase her movement and exercise.

    However, having never been a football fan she had no idea that the English Football League (EFL) Club on her doorstop could provide her with this and more.

    She said: “I’d been trying to do different exercises at home, started to do aqua aerobics and tried to do some walking. I go to my local church, and one of my friends said there was a chair exercise class I should attend with her.”

    Having attended the class at Leyton Orient Trust, Novelett has not looked back.

    She explained: “I saw what they were doing, and I enjoyed it, so I started going for myself.”

    Not only has the Hub helped Novett with managing her sciatica through physical exercise but has also seen it become a pivotal part in Novelett’s social wellbeing with it being a place she can meet other local people otherwise she would self admittedly be sat at home isolated watching TV.

    Above all, she places emphasis on the Hubs ability to help everyone and connect the local community to various outreach projects or support services.

    She said: “The staff tell you about things available in the local area that you didn’t know about… they can help with things from phones to forms that you may need to fill in that’s what I like about it. Going there helps everyone with all different things.”

    Blackburn Rovers Community Trust helping Bob look after his heart and move more.

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    “It was a shock to be told I have heart failure, and I have had to live with it ever since.”

    Blackburn Rovers season ticket holder, Bob Gower, was diagnosed with heart failure when he was approaching the age of 50 in 2001, something he has now had to live with for more than 20 years.

    Bob is now sharing his story to help inspire others living with long term health conditions in Blackburn with Darwen to move more too.

    “It obviously came as a real shock as I had been physically active up until then,” admitted Bob. “I have a serious family history with heart failure, so it didn’t come as a surprise, but it still doesn’t take away the shock of receiving the news.

    “Initially post-diagnosis, I was on medication and I had to be careful but I was able to carry on playing football, I cycled a lot and went hill walking with my wife, but gradually my heart was getting weaker and I became more breathless, so I was limited in what I could do.

    “By 2016 I was unable to do any form of physical activity and my heart wasn’t even able to keep my body’s vital organs functioning, and because of this rapid decline and I was referred to Wythenshawe Hospital.

    “I was told I needed a heart transplant and they are very hard to come by and at that point I was too ill and wouldn’t have survived the operation.

    “They installed a left ventricular device (LVAD) which is a pump that goes into the heart to and assists the left ventricle to pump blood around the body.

    “During the first year after surgery I had to regain physical strength and start being active again. The services provided by Royal Blackburn Hospital were excellent followed by expert support of the Refresh Team helped me rebuild my body and my confidence in my own ability.”

    Bob and some other patients at Wythenshaw Hospital got electric bikes so they could increase their physical activity.

    “Initially we started doing shorter rides and over the years we have increased as we have rebuilt our strength, fitness and confidence.

    “Having an electric bike has been an absolute lifesaver for me and my fellow patients who are part of ‘The Electric Cranks’ cycling group from Wythenshaw. We couldn’t have done what we’ve done without them.

    “We would have struggled on an orthodox bike and with this we can ride up big hills, which is a fantastic feeling.”

    Bob’s story caught the attention of the ‘We Are Undefeatable in Blackburn with Darwen’ campaign team, which aims to support people living with a range of long term health conditions to be active in a way which works for them.

    The national ‘We Are Undefeatable’ is developed by 15 leading health and social care charities and backed by expertise insight and significant National Lottery funding from Sport England. The local campaign is supported by Blackburn with Darwen Council and a range of other organisations, many who work closely with Blackburn Rovers Community Trust.

    Bob continued: “I was delighted to be asked to be involved with the local ‘We are Undefeatable’ campaign. It’s for people like myself, who have encountered health or other challenges in their life, and find ways to overcome them through physical activity or some form of activity which gives them that sense of commitment, determination and satisfaction.

    “When I think back to when I first started, everything seemed to be a challenge and I doubted my ability to do anything, and that’s where the support of organisations are important, and I couldn’t have done it on my own, without the support of family and friends.

    “The nature of heart failure, it’s not as if you get a medical fix and then you get better and stay better, there are ups and downs along the road.

    “Our group have faced and are facing significant challenges, so the value of groups such as ‘We Are Undefeatable and Be Active helps to build resilience so when people do encounter those challenges, you have the knowledge that you know you can overcome them.

    Bob concluded by sharing his love for his beloved Blackburn Rovers and praised the club’s official charity for the work they do to support people of all ages in our community.

    “Blackburn Rovers is an important part of my life, my son is also a season ticket holder and between us we’ve clocked up over 1,000 games following Rovers home and away.

    “I’m really impressed at the work that Blackburn Rovers does in the community and the way they reach out to a whole range of people to help them with their personal and collective needs.

    “I’m proud to be a supporter of Blackburn Rovers for those reasons.”