One man’s story of overcoming adversity is helping football fans smile this January.
Adrian Wrigley, a regular at our Parkinson’s Football programme, was formally diagnosed approximately four years ago. “The consultant and I were aware that I had Parkinson's probably four, maybe five years prior to that,” says Adrian.
“From diagnosis, I was a little bit apprehensive about what my future held. Plus I ended up losing my job due to it. I mean, I had some big lows. I shut myself off. I stopped engaging with friends, family, big family events I was making excuses that I was ill.
“Since joining this group I realised the mental stimulation you get from talking to others is invaluable.”
Adrian’s journey is being shared as part of Scan to Smile, an EFL initiative designed to lift spirits and shine a spotlight on the life-changing work delivered by football club charities.
In the North East and North Yorkshire, it is estimated there are close on 20,000 people living with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions.
Our weekly sessions held at Thornaby Pavilion include activities such as football, badminton and pickleball. They use the power of the football club badge to engage with those living with such a condition, increasing community support through physical activity.
Posters displayed around the Riverside Stadium for the Preston and Norwich games will invite supporters to scan a QR code, alongside codes on-screen during all live EFL games broadcast on Sky Sports. Fans can scan these to unlock uplifting stories like Adrian’s, showing how football changes lives far beyond the pitch.
Trevor Birch, Chief Executive at the EFL said: “Scan to Smile is about harnessing the power of football to lift spirits and share real stories of hope. Behind every club there are people whose lives have been positively changed through the work and dedication of their local EFL Club charity. This initiative gives supporters the chance to see that impact first hand and reminds us that football truly is a force for good.”
That’s certainly the case with Adrian, who adds: “The community spirit that I lost from not working, that was a bigger loss than the actual loss of doing a job. Through Parkinson’s Football I’ve got some of that back and it also gives my wife a break! She knows that for an hour, two hours, I'm away in my little happy space and she's pottering around quite happy herself, or probably ecstatic that I'm not about.
“I’d just like to say immense thanks to Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation. Thanks for persevering. Pass the message on that you are making lives different and they're more improved.”
The Foundation’s Neurological Football sessions are held every Thursday between 12 and 2 at Thornaby Pavilion. If you need any details on the sessions, please e-mail [email protected]