Campaign Ambassador - Nick Light

Name: Nick Light

Sports/Activities: Football

Locality: St Albans

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When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, aged just 45, I was told by my doctor I needed to stay active to help manage my symptoms. Exercise became essential. I enjoyed going to the gym, but it was a solitary experience, and so I started to look for more sociable ways to exercise, and football felt like the right place to start. However, I quickly realised there were no local opportunities for people like me, locally or nationally. So, I made the decision to set up my own football team for people with Parkinson’s - Fighting Fit Football. It was a big step, especially as I didn’t know many others with Parkinson’s, and was dealing with fatigue, pain and moments of self-doubt, but I wanted to create something positive not just for myself, but for others too.

Finding other people with Parkinson’s to join, securing a place to play and covering the costs to set up the team were some of the biggest barriers I faced in the beginning. I wouldn’t have been able to do it alone. My wife, Tracy, encouraged me from the very start and pushed me to believe the idea was possible. Watford FC Community Trust supported us by donating access to their training facilities, giving the team a home and a place to grow. Alongside that, friends, players, the Parkinson’s community and our volunteer head coach, Matthew Penn, all played their part in helping the team become what it is today. From having just one player with Parkinson’s (me!), we now have a community of more than 50 strong, and there are now Parkinson’s football team teams starting up across the country.

For me, exercise isn’t optional, it’s the only way to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s, and football gives me and our members purpose, connection and positivity. Looking to the future, I want to keep building the community and expand what we can offer. More sessions, more players, more support, more competitions and more friendlies, just more growth in every direction. The more people with Parkinson’s who can benefit the better.

My dream is for our team to be recognised as the leading Parkinson’s football team in the UK, both on and off the pitch, but more importantly, I want to show others that a long-term health condition is not the end of your story, it’s a new chapter.

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You can find out more about Fighting Fit Football and book to attend two regular open sessions they run via this link Parkinson's football team | Fighting Fit Football | St Albans

Parkinson's Walking Football - Fridays 2:15-3:30pm - Watford FC Training Ground, Bell Ln, London Colney, Shenley, St Albans AL2 1BZ, UK

Parkinson's 5/7 aside Football - Mondays 8-9:45pm - Watford FC Training Ground, Bell Ln, Shenley, St Albans AL2 1BZ, UK