Sometime back I read an article on how table tennis helps people with Parkinsons – especially around issues such as coordination, balance, stimulating concentration and mental alertness and probably most importantly social engagement

I knew that Upton Cricket Club had 2 tables in their ‘tearoom’ – so I approached Jez Lamb, Chairman of the club – who agreed to our using the clubs facilities – but could not advise on the tables themselves as they belong to a table tennis club. Jez put me in touch with Rob Chapman from the cricket club who deals with the hire of the hall and gained permission from the table tennis club.

Once this was agreed I completed the necessary risk assessment for Parkinsons UK to enable their insurance to be operative for this Wirral Branch activity and got the weekly classes ‘up and running’ in September 2024.

From the first week when 3 people attended – we now have 16 active members attending – for 4 of these people it is the only activity and social activity they attend – we have someone who heard about the club and travels from Warrington to attend – and we are now starting to compete against other groups in the North West

Some of the people who attend do have quite bad symptoms of Parkinsons – but the pleasure you see when suddenly they move quickly, play a great shot, run or jump – and for a brief second forget they have this illness – is absolutely priceless – and every class has a great deal of fun and laughter – together with a competitive edge. This is so important, as this illness can easily take all your confidence and fill you with anxiety.

So a big thank you to Upton Cricket Club for letting us use this great facility – especially the ease of contact and how straightforward they made the approach – the room is perfect for use especially for people with Parkinson’s – and it is very much appreciated that it is ‘free of charge’ a wonderful gesture by the club

Since forming the table tennis club we have now progressed to forming a very active walking group and have plans for further activity in 2026

Some background Information...

• Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological disease in the world – approx.. 160,000 people in the UK have the illness – there is no known cure- and it is an illness whose symptoms deteriorate with time
• It has been recognized that taking part in exercise – especially high intensity exercise has a very positive impact on the illness
• I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in June 2023 and thankfully the medication I use has had a very positive impact on both my physical and mental well being. I joined Parkinson’s Ninja (see their website www.parkinsonsninja.org.uk) a dedicated exercise class - and through that got to know people at Parkinsons UK and become a member of the local Wirral Branch
• The branch offers a monthly meeting – but in reality, their offering for me was quite limiting

Since joining the branch, I am now:-

• Writing a monthly newsletter for the branch – going to over 200 members and NHS Professionals on the Wirral plus it goes to Parkinsons Uk
• Have started up the table tennis club – which meets weekly, plus a monthly walking club for people with Parkinsons together with their friends and family – this year having started at Royden Park – and progressed to Moel Famau, Hilbre Island, Parkgate, Delamere Forest, Llangollen and Flint
• More activities are being planned, including walking football, pickleball and crown green bowls
• I am also in the course of having a website built for the branch
• I am involved with Parkinson’s UK as a researcher and also a Public & Patient Consultant
• Finally, I am now in charge of fundraising for Parkinson’s Ninja – and have moved their turnover from 9k in 2024 to in excess of 26k this year – which has enabled the number of weekly classes to increase from 2 to 4 – which has also seen class sizes double in the past 18 months

Paul Williams
Wirral Branch of Parkinson’s UK