'A Parkinson's diagnosis does not define what is possible' - Heading to Canada: England Parkinson's Walking Football Teams take on Toronto
Ellie Finch Hulme shares her latest blog post with WF4W to give the lowdown on the forthcoming WFA England Parkinson's team overseas trip and ways in which you can support.
This September, history and hope will take centre stage as the WFA England Parkinson's Women's Walking Football Team embarks on an unforgettable trip to Toronto, Canada.
While the men's team has been blazing a trail for some time, the newly formed women’s squad is just getting started on its international journey. Nine incredible women living with Parkinson's are making the trip to Toronto together, proudly representing their country alongside several other WFA England teams.
Team member Julie Norris describes the opportunity to represent her country as "every sportsperson’s dream" and goes on to say: "I get to fulfill that dream alongside an incredible and truly inspirational group of human beings. Excited and proud don’t seem to do justice to how I’m feeling."
More Than Just a Game
This tour is much more than an international tournament—it is a mission to break down barriers, inspire hope, and demonstrate that a Parkinson's diagnosis does not define what is possible. During the trip, the teams will be:
• Promoting exercise: highlighting the life-changing physical and mental benefits of staying active with Parkinson's.
• Educating coaches: training local Canadian coaches on how to deliver safe, effective walking football sessions for people living with the condition.
• Building community: connecting with the local Canadian Parkinson's community to foster lifelong friendships and support networks.
• Proving resilience: competing directly against non-disability teams to showcase the strength, determination, and ability of people living with a long-term condition.
As a PE teacher of 34 years when diagnosed at 55, player Chris Stanley says "I never thought I would not only be playing walking football in my 9th year, but to be representing England! I feel so humbled".
Fundraising & Thanks
To make this life-changing trip a reality, the women's team has been actively fundraising to help cover both Parkinson's teams' essential travel, transfers, accommodation, and insurance costs, alongside the very generous contributions made by main sponsor, Benniman, and its suppliers. Special mention must go to team mate Karen Bagley and the immensely supportive community at the Sutton United Foundation here, for all their efforts and support in recent months. Bagley, 50, was diagnosed three years ago and credits walking football for giving her "a reason to push myself, a team to belong to, friendships I treasure and a reminder that Parkinson’s may be part of my life, but it does not get to decide what I’m capable of".
Thanks are also extended to Joe Gregory of the men's team, who never fails to support the women's team's endeavours, whether attending the most recent fundraiser in Sutton in person or sharing posts online and encouraging the players on and off the pitch.
Player-Manager Annie Booth and Physio Joanna Forrest, in close collaboration with the Canadian side, have dedicated much time and effort to planning the visit and its itinerary, for which the team is very grateful. Coach Gemma Darvill will lead the final training session before the trip on 15 August on her home ground at Wootton Blue Cross FC, where the players can expect an exciting, enjoyable yet challenging session alongside a few new triallists. Darvill, whose father has Parkinson's, says: "I’m incredibly proud and humbled to be leading this amazing group of women as their coach and manager. Their courage, determination and spirit are truly inspiring. We’re not just going to Canada to play — we’re going to make memories, represent England with pride, and show what’s possible when you never give up on your dreams".
In Canada, the team will very much miss player Caroline Pike, who will be visiting family in Australia.
If you would like to help the team on their trip to Canada, you can do so here.
Thank you for your support, and keep an eye out for updates as the squad prepares to represent England on the world stage
Insta: @england_parkinsons_ladies_wfc
About the author: Ellie Finch Hulme, England Parkinson's WFA team player,
"Diagnosed in August 2013, this month marks 13 years since my diagnosis. It's poignant for me, as I've had complex challenges with my deep brain stimulation (DBS) system and I know I will be returning to further surgery after our Canada trip. This group of ladies, and walking football in general, has been a lifeline to me over the past year. I hope to make my friends, family, and country proud."
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