It is widely acknowledged that walking football allows people to continue playing the game they love even after retirement.
However, for John Blake, getting involved with AFC Bournemouth’s walking football team turned out to be more than just a game — it was lifesaving.
There, he met Paul Nettleton, who, when confronted with the tragic death of his son James, made the courageous decision to donate James’ kidney to John.
Against all odds, James’ kidney was accepted by John’s body, who, over a year on, has made a strong recovery — and has even returned to football.
Now the pair are hoping to raise awareness about kidney disease, as well as fundraise for Kidney Care UK, at a walking football tournament next month.
John said: “I got the gift of life from Paul and his son James.
“Paul rang me and explained that his son James had a fatal bleed on the brain the previous Saturday.
“Paul and his wife Andrea knew they would have to turn James’ life-support machine off, and they wanted to donate all his organs — and they wanted to donate a kidney to me.
“I told Paul that I would remember that call forever, and that whoever received James’ organs would be eternally grateful.
“But I explained that the chance of his kidney being suitable was low and I had only been on the transplant list for a few months.
“When I got the call from QA hospital in Portsmouth, who said a suitable kidney had been found, I tried not to think too much about it.
“But when I got down there, the transplant coordinator said: ‘I understand you know the donor — we have never seen someone dedicate a kidney to someone outside of the family and for it to be a match’.
“I think the chances of it being a match were one in two million — I am just eternally grateful to Paul, Andrea and their son James.
“When I see them, I let them pat my tummy and be close to James’ kidney — I know they get comfort from that.”
John says he reminds his football teammates “not to hesitate” about getting a blood test if they experience symptoms of kidney disease, such as weight loss, fatigue, or blood in urine.
About the decision to donate his son’s organs and kidneys in July 2025, Paul observed how it was “not difficult” because of the selfless nature of their son James.
“In that moment, myself and my wife were of the same mindset,” he said.
“We knew our son was a very caring person, and he would help others less fortunate than himself.
“He was autistic, he struggled with health, but he recognised others who were more vulnerable — James worked for a children’s nursery and helped at a club with people who were physically and mentally disabled.
“He was very caring by nature — so with that in mind we just knew he would want this to happen.
“We were told by the family liaison officer that a lot of people, when it came to the point of donation, would change their minds.
“I hope raising awareness can make people think about donating even when they are at their lowest ebb.
“To say yes is to help others.”
The walking football tournament is on Sunday 6 September at Littletown Leisure Centre, raising funds for Kidney Care UK. PLEASE DONATE HERE: https://www.justgiving.com/page/alan-sparkes-1
Author: The Walking Football
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