• Ellie Finch Hulme

    Place of Birth: Ashington, UK 
    Date of Birth: 31/12/83 
    Playing Position: left wing

    "I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s aged 29.  Advanced treatment complications have been challenging for me in recent times. Discovering walking football, a year ago has been a lifeline.

    I train locally with the Farnham Town Flares—five minutes away from my home—and regularly join a supportive community at the Sutton Foundation alongside two England teammates.

    I'm nervous and excited for our upcoming Canada trip and can't wait to represent my country alongside some amazing women."

  • Karen Bagley

    Place of Birth: Redhill, Surrey, UK
    Date of Birth: 22/12/1975
    Playing Position: Right Wing/Forward

    "My football journey began with the Sutton United Foundation, where I discovered the power of walking football after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. What started as a way to stay active quickly became a passion, giving me confidence, friendships, and belief in myself again. Through hard work and determination, I earned the incredible honour of representing England. Wearing the England shirt is something I never imagined possible, and I’m proud to show that Parkinson’s doesn’t define me or stop me from achieving my dreams."

  • Sue Sumners

    Place of Birth: Cyprus
    Date of Birth: 28/03/1963
    Playing Position: Forward

    "Walking Football has rebuilt my life since my Parkinson’s diagnosis three years ago. Sutton United Foundation hasn’t just given me sessions, it has given me a renewed sense of purpose, strength, and friendships. I’m now more active than ever, enjoying activities from boxing to painting. My childhood dream of representing England in hockey ended at 22, yet I’m now heading to Canada to represent my country. It’s surreal — proof that my future is brighter than ever."

  • Joanna Forrest (Eastough)

    Place of Birth: Birmingham, UK
    Date of Birth: 19/01/1980
    Role: Parkinson’s Specialist Physiotherapist

    "I began my walking football journey four years ago as physiotherapist for the men’s England Parkinson’s walking football team. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of helping to build the women’s England Parkinson’s team, supporting the trials and continuing now as team physiotherapist. With more than 16 years’ clinical experience supporting people with Parkinson’s from diagnosis onwards, I feel truly excited, inspired and honoured to bring my knowledge and passion to Toronto, stand alongside these remarkable players, and connect with the wider Parkinson’s community."

  • Julie Norris

    Place of Birth: Guisborough, Yorkshire, UK
    Date of Birth: 15th February 1970
    Playing Position: defence/sub goalie

    "Football gives me freedom from Parkinson’s because when I’m on the pitch, PD doesn’t exist. Being selected to play for your country is every sportsperson’s dream regardless of sport. Being selected for England Women’s Parkinson’s Walking Football team is a privilege; not bad for a girl from Yorkshire who was told from an early age that, ‘Girls don’t/can’t play football.’"

  • Annie Booth

    Place of Birth: Manchester, UK
    Date of Birth: 28/06/1967
    Playing Position: GK and anywhere needed
    Role: Founder England Parkinson's Women's Football Team
    Founder Parkinson's Pioneers Women's Walking Football Community

    "Walking football has given me so many moments of joy and the chance to learn new skills. We’ve built a community where strong friendships grow and people feel truly seen — and that matters. For me, it’s helped me reclaim confidence, movement, and a sense of purpose that Parkinson’s can sometimes dim. Representing England feels like carrying hope, pride, and the strength of our whole Parkinson’s community with me."

  • Sue Hulls-Smith

    Place of Birth: Hayes, Kent, UK
    Date of Birth: 18/03/1961
    Playing Position: Defender

    "Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019 I was devastated and thought my competitive sporting days were over. I became isolated and struggled to come to terms with my new life. Walking football has provided a focus for me and a community that supports and nurtures us all. Walking football is my ‘Happy Place’ where I can be Sue and not the diagnosis. Representing my country, again now, at 65 years old, is an absolute privilege."

  • Gemma Darvill

    Place of Birth: St Albans, UK
    Date of Birth: 02/07/1990
    Role: Coach/Manager

    "Football has been a huge part of my life since I was ten years old. Eight years ago, my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's, and that inspired me to become involved with Parkinson's
    walking football. Seeing the positive impact the game has on so many people has been incredible. To now be the coach and manager of the England Walking Football Parkinson's team is a dream come true, and an honour I will always cherish with immense pride."

  • Chris Stanley

    Place of Birth: Glasgow, Scotland
    Date of Birth:19-5-1962
    Playing Position: Forward/mid field

    "In 2024, I went to a taster walking Football session with Pioneers ladies’ team. Having been a PE teacher for 34 years I loved it. I hadn’t played football but used transferable skills with success. I was very fortunate to be asked to represent the Pioneers at a tournament in Spain, then trialled for the England team and delighted to have been selected. I feel I have found my tribe. I’m humbled to be playing for the first ever ladies English team with PD."

"Discovering walking football, a year ago, has been a lifeline."

Ellie Finch Hulme, England Women

"Walking football is my ‘Happy Place’ where I can be Sue and not the diagnosis."

Sue Hulls-Smith, England Women

"Walking Football has rebuilt my life since my Parkinson’s diagnosis three years ago."

Sue Sumners, England Women

"it’s helped me reclaim confidence, movement, and a sense of purpose that Parkinson’s can sometimes dim."

Annie Booth, England Women