From Parkinson’s Walking Football to FIT Jacks | Martin’s journey through Swansea City AFC Foundation

Martin Davies’ life changed forever when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease three years ago.

The 2022 diagnosis forced Martin, 66, to give up his job, and made it difficult for him to maintain a positive mindset.

But, when Swansea City AFC Foundation began delivering Parkinson's Walking Football sessions in Cefn Hengoed last October, Martin found he benefited not only from the physical exercise, but the social element as he found a supportive group who could all directly understand the challenges they each face.

The sessions are designed to support people with the neurological condition by going through specific exercises which improves balance and mobility, as well as seeking to provide a support network through the sharing of experiences.

“It’s nice to be with people with the same condition,” said Martin.

“We talk about medication and everything afterwards so it’s good to learn from others.”

After attending the Foundation’s Parkinson’s Walking Football sessions for a number of weeks, Robin O’Brien, health and wellbeing officer at Swansea City Foundation, then signposted Davies to the Foundation’s FIT Jacks programme.

“Martin is a relatively quiet guy but he gives absolutely 100 percent in every session,” said O’Brien.

“Martin seemed to really benefit from the social aspect of the Parkinson’s walking football session. 

"As the weeks progressed we got to know him a bit more and his confidence improved, so from this he signed up to our FIT Jacks programme and again he’s gone from strength to strength.

“It’s just taking the time ultimately to help these people. It’s not just one generic session, we do try to implement different things to help individuals. Sometimes Martin has needed that extra help but he’s benefiting from it, which is the main thing.”

Martin has also been supported by his brother Steve, who has attended the same FIT Jacks session with Martin at the Swansea.com Stadium on a Thursday evening.

“We decided to do something active together,” said Steve.

“We actually signed up separately to FIT Jacks, we didn’t know we had both signed up but when we had confirmation of our places on the same night at the same place it was really nice to know we could do it together.

“When he was first diagnosed he was obviously a bit down, he was thinking about the possibility of it getting worse, but as it’s happened these sessions have really helped. He actually looks forward to getting up and going out now, which is brilliant.”

Being physically active has been found to sometimes be as important as receiving the right dose of medication when living with Parkinson’s disease.

“You’ve got to keep active because your body tightens up and tends to pull you forward, so we do exercises to combat that," added Martin.

“The FIT Jacks programme has been really good as well, it's strenuous but that’s what I’ve liked about it, that it challenges me.”

Martin has embraced the challenge of physical activity and now goes to multiple sessions throughout the week to help his health and wellbeing.

“The Parkinson’s walking football programme runs for 20 weeks and FIT Jacks runs for 12 weeks, but I think the things that we’ve implemented to increase his confidence will help Martin in the long run,” added O’Brien.

“Hopefully he can access more mainstream sports and physical activity sessions which would be fantastic.”