How long have you played Walking Football?
Since I turned 50 yrs old.
I am very sorry to hear that you have had to have more than 1 organ transplant and are living with diabetes. Could you please share your medical history with us?
I developed juvenile diabetes at the age of 18 yrs old this was caused by underactive thyroid levels not working.
I lived a very busy life and at the age of 40 and whilst at a routine check for diabetes I was informed that I had renal failure.
This resulted in my transplant of my kidney at the age of 42.
My brother Andrew very kindly donated his kidney to me, this transplant was extremely successful.
Later I had a pancreas transplant in January 2012 which later failed and I am currently on the waiting list for another pancreas.
If successful this will stop my diabetes.
Why did you decide to play Walking Football and were there any medical personnel, foundations or charities involved in helping you get started?
As an avid Man City fan, I was aware on their press that you could play Walking Football and this was for over 50’s so I contacted them as I was close to the club and always playing football.
I was keen to get involved at a competitive level so I joined the team, its great for many reasons.
I belong to Transplant Sport UK and I partake in the British and the World Transplant Games where we actively promote organ donation and in a measure to keeping fit, the British games are every year and the world games are around the world every 2 years.
2009 Australia, 2011 Sweden, 2013 South Africa, 2015 Argentina, 2017 Malaga.
These are all the world games I’ve competed in.
We try and raise the donor register we are like ambassadors in the world of promoting organ donation and transplantation UK and worldwide.
On ‘ The One show ‘. Promoting organ donation !!
Your medical conditions have not stopped you playing the game you love, but are there any negative impacts or restrictions they have on you during a fitness session or playing a game of Walking Football? If so would it be possible to elaborate?
Obviously I have to take into account blood sugar levels when I play and after I finish playing, but that is with all sports.
I do and I try hard to keep fit generally and making sure all my medications are in order.
I take in excess of 24 tablets a day and am insulin dependent.
What things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury and do you need to take any additional safety precautions due to your medical conditions?
There is no actual precautions other than all the necessary warming up the joints and making sure I am warmed up in the game of Walking Football, to do the best for my teammates.
If you are playing a game against another team, is it necessary to make them aware of your conditions and if so why?
I have made the club aware that I have medical history and they are happy for me to continue.
Do you always have a member present who has had first aid training at your games and training sessions, and is there a defibrillator available if needed?
Yes we are fortunate we have coaches, that conduct the warm up, first aiders on the premises, and its very well organized club.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
I am still working at present.
I run my own business Talk UK Telecom, so I go as many times as I can, it’s normally a Tuesday daytime, Wednesday evening and Friday daytime.
I try to go at least twice per week.
If we have a tournament these are additional.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and how else has Walking Football helped you on a day to day basis?
Without a question of doubt every time I play I break sweat and my aerobic capacity increases.
The more I play the fitter I will be.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
What has surprised me is that all the guys that play have all got great sense of humour and are all able to have good conversations and we all have a good laugh, especially going on tour.
We went to Spain and I can honestly say we had a great time it really encourages you.
If you had not got involved with, and play Walking Football, explain how your life would be different?
Of course, I still do the transplant sport as medically I have to but the companionship of the MCFC team, I would probably be lesser for it.
I’m really glad I joined the club and feel very part of it.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to still be playing?
Its indescribable, the actual putting on the boots walking on the pitch is probably a highlight of my week.
Have you played competitive Walking Football and, if so, in which tournaments / leagues?
We’ve played at Bolton, Stoke, Man City, Italian Masters.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
So far I’ve had no injuries.
Does your club or facility where you play Walking Football hold any social or charity events connected with Walking Football and if so what were they?
Yes, we are having a Christmas do, we go to MCFC together and there a events during the year.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
The best memory is scoring goals.
I like to think I’m Aguero.
The worst is sometimes, when my condition especially diabetes is not as controlled so I feel a bit behind the game, but thankfully its not often.
If you go with the right frame of mind you should be fine, win loose or draw we shake hands after.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
I just playing football, scoring goals, enjoy the camaraderie and just doing what needs to be done in the game.
I don’t like to just play, I’ve probably watched as much football as the England manager and I like being part of a club.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Nothing I love it.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Yes I do as I’m used to playing, especially if I score a goal and they pull me up on it.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Like anything I want to continually improve and be the best I can be and I hope I’ve got many years ahead to play, and I want to be part of the future of the sport.
What advice would you give to someone who has either had a transplant or is living with diabetes if they were nervous their health condition might be a factor in allowing them to play?
Encouraging the person to be active helps all parts to become stronger after transplant.
The good thing about Walking Football is you can take it as quickly or as slowly as you like.
If you have played before you will understand.
Its also with transplantation and they join the transplant games I’m often the one encouraging to get them to enjoy the sport and the social side.
If someone is reading this that has had a transplant, what three things would you say to them to try and convince them they need to find out more about Walking Football?
- Do you like football?
- You can play – there is room for everyone at any level.
- Whatever you do its better than sitting at home.
If they were interested, what do they need to do next?
Speak with the WFA and they will introduce you to a club.
What do your friends think about you playing Walking Football?
I have played football all of my life, when I was 39 I had to give up Sundays, so to play again I feel better for it.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for footwear, kit and weekly session fees?
A pair of trainers and shin pads, it’s a few pound to play each week and you get tea and biscuits, its very cheap.
Or you can buy puma kings boots and look like Sergio.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Just to say I am very thankful and with the medical history I can still play and be able to compete and long may it continue.
I think it’s a great idea – when men reach a certain age they could introvert.
This is a great banter whilst keeping fit in the process and on a competitive level we still get to play football.
I love it.
I would like to finish the interview and let you know you will be an inspiration to so many people who read this.
I truly believe it will go a long way in helping others with similar health conditions decide to give the sport a try and improve their quality of life.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
