Player Story: Emma Kimber

Our latest fantastic walking football story is shared by Emma Kimber currently of Melksham WWFC and the WFA England Kicking Cancer team. Emma's football journey is one of resilience, determination and defying the odds. 

After retiring from 11-a-side football with Calne Ladies at the age of 49, Emma discovered walking football and found a new passion that has taken her to some of the most memorable experiences of her sporting life. A versatile player who is strongest in defence but happy to play anywhere on the pitch except in goal, she currently represents Melksham at club level and has also played across the Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset leagues, helping clubs including Frome Flyers and Taunton & District TADS whenever needed.

Behind Emma's football journey lies an extraordinary personal story. At the age of 39, while still hoping to start a family, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Before beginning chemotherapy, she was able to undergo a single round of IVF, resulting in just one embryo. With her fertility lost through cancer treatment, that embryo remained frozen for four years while Emma focused on the fight of her life.

During her recovery, and after a 12-year break from football, Emma returned to the game she loved, pulling on her boots once again for her local club, Marlborough. Football became an important part of rebuilding her strength, fitness and confidence after cancer. As her health improved, she and her husband made the decision to give their frozen embryo a chance. Against the odds, and with only a slim chance of success, that tiny embryo showed the same fighting spirit as Emma herself. In 2018, it became their beautiful daughter, Ayah.

Today, Emma proudly represents the England Ladies Kicking Cancer Team, helping to promote the physical, emotional and social benefits of walking football for people affected by cancer. In 2025, she travelled to Spain to compete in the World Nations Cup and has had the privilege of playing at some of football's most iconic venues. She appeared at Anfield as part of the England Kicking Cancer Team's work with AXA, highlighting the role walking football can play in recovery, wellbeing and support. More recently, she participated in the charity tournament at St George's Park, creating yet another unforgettable football memory.

For Emma, walking football is about far more than results and trophies. It is about friendship, support, inclusion and belonging. It is a community that has played a significant role in her own recovery journey and one she now shares with her family. Her husband and eight-year-old daughter Ayah can often be found on the sidelines cheering on the England Kicking Cancer Team, enjoying the unique camaraderie that makes walking football so special.

From cancer survivor to England representative, from one frozen embryo to a thriving family, Emma's story is proof that persistence, hope and the power of community can achieve remarkable things. Through football, she continues to inspire others while showing that some of life's greatest victories happen far beyond the final whistle.

Follow Emma's team on Facebook here: