Meet North East Parkies United: Paul Campbell

North East Parkies United, the Walking Football Team developed from Foundation of Light’s Neurological Walking Football session, will head down to St. George’s Park to compete in the Spork Parkinson’s Walking Football Tournament next weekend.

On World Parkinson’s Day, we’re meeting some of those heading down to the home of the Three Lions to take part.

Paul Campbell, 61, was one of the first to join the session in early 2022.

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

“It was an ex-member of staff at the Foundation who told me to come along, there was only three of us at the time. Now it’s developed into this, which is fantastic.

“I’m very proud of everyone who comes along, because they’ve all contributed, we help each other out. It has been fantastic to form a team which does not worry about individual abilities, but we just come along and enjoy ourselves.”

After a surgery in 2010 which has helped reduce some symptoms, Paul has been managing his condition with physical activity, especially through the Foundation’s weekly session.

“I was diagnosed in 2010, so I’ve had Parkinson’s for about 15 years,” he explained.

“It was a struggle for a number of years until I had DBS (deep brain stimulation) surgery which was done in 2018.

“Since then, my movement has been so much better and my tremors have virtually disappeared.

“But I still have all the other symptoms. It’s been tough, but a group like this is fantastic.

“It [taking part in walking football] make a hell of a difference. For one thing, it just takes your mind off everything. You forget that you have got Parkinson’s when you are on the pitch.

“It’s a great group of people, I look forward to coming every Tuesday.”

The football session featuring a mixture of drills and games is followed by an optional chit and chat in the Beacon of Light’s Yard Nine Café.

“The social part is also very important,” Paul added.

“We get to swap stories, not only about Parkinson’s but a group chat on general things.

“It’s good to share stories on meds or the latest developments, so you can give your experience to others who may be going through a similar thing.”

Looking ahead to competing for the first time as a team, Paul said: “I’m very much looking forward to competing.

“We’ve been going through our paces with a couple of friendly matches recently and it’s whetted the appetite.”