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Bournemouth MP praises walking football team for helping people with Parkinson’s

20 Oct 2026 1 min read No comments Impairment / Disability
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A Bournemouth MP has praised a walking football team for helping people living with Parkinson’s through sport, social connection, and support.

Tom Hayes, the Labour MP for Bournemouth East, joined the Dorset Parky Striders at a special training session to celebrate their second anniversary.

The club is dedicated to supporting people with Parkinson’s through walking football and currently has nearly 40 members.

Tom Hayes, the Labour MP for Bournemouth East, joined the Dorset Parky Striders at a special training session to celebrate their second anniversary. The club is dedicated to supporting people with Parkinson’s through walking football and currently has nearly 40 members.
Pic credit: Dorset Parky Striders

Mr Hayes said: “I loved meeting the Dorset Parky Striders, who’ve gone from eight players to nearly 40.

“Football cheers us up, brings people together, and, as I saw at Pelhams, takes people’s mind off Parkinson’s.

“It was an honour to help cut the cake and celebrate the Parky Striders’ second birthday.

“If you’d like to get involved, please do contact them.

“They’re a very friendly and lovely team – and they make amazing cake!”

During his visit, Mr Hayes met players and volunteers before helping to cut celebratory cakes and joining in with the session.

He was welcomed by David Beardow and Simon Smale, chair and vice-chair of the East Dorset Branch of Parkinson’s UK, along with Mark Seal, manager and head coach of the Dorset Parky Striders.

Mr Seal said: “We were delighted to welcome Tom to our anniversary celebrations and give him the opportunity to see the Striders in action.

“We are extremely proud of what we have achieved so far and are determined to build on that success, bringing the benefits of walking football to even more people living with Parkinson’s.”

The club plans to expand its reach and continue supporting more people through football.

Source: https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/26643325.tom-hayes-joined-dorset-parky-striders-training-session/

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