“Padel is just as important as the tablets" - how Padel 4 Parkinson's is changing lives

We're delighted to have been featured on the LTA Padel website this month, in an article about how padel is changing lives for people living with Parkinson's in Buckinghamshire.

The piece tells the story of how our co-founders Mark Limebear and Garry Brown came to padel after their own diagnoses, how the sessions at Chesham 1879 came about, and the difference the sport has made both physically and socially. Garry talks candidly about how difficult things were after his diagnosis, and about the friendships and fitness he has found since. Mark explains why padel suits players with Parkinson's so well: it is quick to learn, the walls keep the ball in play, and it rewards thinking rather than power.

There's also a lovely tribute to our coach Matt Graham, who has gone to considerable lengths to understand Parkinson's and adapt his coaching accordingly, along with some of the changes the group has seen in its players. As Garry puts it, "It's just as important as the tablets!"

Our ambition to produce a playbook so other clubs can launch their own Parkinson's padel programmes also gets a mention.

It's a genuine boost for the programme, and a great read.

Read the full article on the LTA Padel website: "Padel is just as important as the tablets" - how Padel 4 Parkinson's is changing lives