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A woman in her 40’s who was left stunned by a Parkinson’s diagnosis has spoken about overcoming stigma and finding a new lease of life through walking football.

Dionne Barton, from Draycott, said she kept her condition “hidden” for more than four years as she struggled with the perception that Parkinson’s primarily affects older men.

But she has now “come out with a bang” after joining the Parkie Rams – a walking football team run by Derby County Community Trust (DCCT) for people receiving or awaiting treatment for Parkinson’s, as well as members of their support network.

Dionne said it was initially daunting being the only female player but added that the sense of community has made the experience transformative.

“I’ve been hidden really for probably four-and-a-half years, and this year I decided not anymore,” she said.

“I’ve come out with a bang. I’ve never been interested in football in my life, so my friends and family just think it’s hilarious that I’m playing walking football.

“It’s just brilliant. I giggle and laugh all the way through. I won’t say I’m that good or that I know all the rules, but only people with Parkinson’s know what it’s like living with Parkinson’s. Most of us, when we get on the pitch, it’s just that little window where you forget about it.”

Dionne Barton, from Draycott, said she kept her condition “hidden” for more than four years as she struggled with the perception that Parkinson’s primarily affects older men.
But she has now “come out with a bang” after joining the Parkie Rams – a walking football team run by Derby County Community Trust (DCCT) for people receiving or awaiting treatment for Parkinson’s, as well as members of their support network. — Pic credit: Derby County Community Trust (DCCT)

Dionne first received her diagnosis after attending hospital with what was thought to be a trapped nerve.

“I went to the hospital with a suspected trapped nerve and was shocked when I was told that actually, it was Parkinson’s,” she said.

“As a 48-year-old woman without a tremor, I didn’t realise you could be diagnosed that young. Like most people, I associated Parkinson’s with tremors, so it was a bit of a shock.

“You don’t want people to see you differently. You don’t want people to see you as not you. I think there is a bit of a stigma. Your immediate thought is of traditional older men with a tremor.

“You don’t know what the future holds or how it’s going to affect you. You do think, ‘what is my life going to be like and how is this going to impact my life, my husband and my children?’

“I did a women’s event a few months ago and we all said that one of the first things we did when we got diagnosed was Google how long we were going to live for.”

More than 166,000 people are believed to be living with Parkinson’s in the UK, a condition that affects mobility, speech, focus, sleep and independence.

According to Parkinson’s UK, men are 1.4 times more likely to be diagnosed with the condition, while people under 50 account for an estimated 5% to 20% of cases.

There is currently no cure, and the number of people diagnosed is expected to rise due to population growth and ageing.

Using walking football as a tool, DCCT aims to improve quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s, offering both physical activity and a supportive social environment through the Parkie Rams, who meet at Derby’s Willow Sports Centre.

Liv Strachan, specialist Parkinson’s physiotherapist at University Hospitals Derby and Burton and a Parkie Rams volunteer, said the group has grown steadily since it was set up two years ago.

“Not only do members get the social side, meeting new people with Parkinson’s and building that support network, they also gain balance, strength, coordination and cardiovascular benefits,” she said.

“It’s an all-round great exercise and social activity. There’s a lot of fun, a lot of laughing, and we also work on fitness and gameplay strategies for when we go to tournaments.”

For Dionne, the experience has not only helped her physically but also provided a renewed sense of confidence and connection after years of silence.

You can find out more about the Derby County Community Trust’s Parkinson’s programme here: https://derbycountycommunitytrust.com/what-we-do/parkinsons/

Source: https://www.efl.com/news/2026/july/02/dionne-laces-up-her-boots-to-tackle-parkinson-s-stigma-/

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