Eleven years ago a seemingly fit and healthy 65-year-old Jim Read drove wife Jenny to a routine check-up with her diabetic nurse – but finished up in hospital himself.
Following an ECG and an angiogram he was told he needed a triple heart bypass and, following the nine-hour operation, a genetic thyroid problem was discovered that led to him gaining three stone in weight.
Big lifestyle changes have followed in the years since but, 18 months ago, having grown fed up of walking alone on treadmills in the gym, Read was desperate to find a new way to exercise.
After watching a television advert explain the concept of walking football, Read attended sessions at his local County FA centre in Leicestershire & Rutland organised by the Mars Just Play programme.
In recent months it’s been Jenny’s turn to drive Jim around after he broke his wrist when taking a tumble during his turn in goal, yet he still insisted on attending the twice-weekly walking football sessions at Holmes Park to referee.
Jenny is now also a regular at the sessions, helping out with everything from making the post-match cups of tea to assisting with new player registrations.
And Jim is in no doubt that walking football has had a profound effect on both their lives, on and off the pitch.
“She’s always liked football, we go to Leicester City, and it’s nice we have something new to do together,” said the 76-year-old, crowned Player of the Year at the Mars Just Play awards on Monday.
“We have sessions twice a week and have 30 or so players that attend regularly.
“We’ve entered tournaments and been able to field two teams, so there’s still a competitive side to it. I’m the oldest, I’ll be 77 in November, but age doesn’t stop us, we play properly.
