Our team for the York Dragon Boat Races this year is all set to make waves
Team leader Geoff Roberts and boat captain Sean Sweeney have assembled a fantastic team of 16 rowers plus drummer and reserves to tackle the challenge of the races on the Ouse this year.
It's the first time our branch has entered a boat in the competition. No fewer than nine of our rowers are living with Parkinson's.
I’m looking forward to the challenge of being in the dragon boat race because when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s I felt that a door had shut in my life for doing new things. So this will be a tremendous encouragement for me going forward.
I’d figured it out before my official diagnosis which made me both sad and angry. I had plans for my retirement that included skiing, cycling, shooting and travel, to name but a few physically demanding activities. Parkinson’s has stripped me of so much – but paddling in the forthcoming dragon boat races has become a very important ‘win’.
Adrian is the much valued Chef at Amarna House care home. He's living with Parkinson's.
I am in the privileged job role as Clinical Physiotherapist within the Elderly Movement Disorder Clinic in York. This role is solely pump primed by Parkinson's UK and gives me the opportunity to work with the Parkinson's community. Not only does this role allow me to work clinically but also to engage with the Parkinson's community, raising much needed awareness and providing shared learning. I'm delighted to be part of the Parky Paddlers. It's fantastic to see us all work together towards a common goal and I can't wait for race day.
Come on Parky Paddlers!
Stuart has sold surveying equipment for over 40 years. Married with two children, he was been living with Parkinson’s for over 6 years.
Never one to let things get him down, he remains active and positive. He’s continuing to focus on his wellbeing and promoting Parkinson’s UK to the wider community.
I get such a lift from exercising in general but particularly when I’m part of a team. That’s why the Dragon Boat Race is so important to me but it’s bigger than that. I want to show the world that Parkinson’s might be life changing, but it only takes away your fun and enjoyment of life if you let it!
From city trader to logistics in France and commerce in Latin America, Andrew has had a varied life.
Read about how he has successfully rebuilt his life here in York after his Parkinson's diagnosis.
Geoff is a branch committee member. He previously worked in construction management and became involved in our branch through helping a friend attend our walking football class.
Sean is a professor of biology at the University of York. He conducts research into Parkinson's.
"It is such a pleasure and an honour to be asked to be Captain for the Parky Paddler's Dragon Boat. I'm so looking forward to the day, the company of the Parkinson's community and the race. The training sessions have been fun - the enthusiasm is infectious and inspiring! I ask myself if it was a mistake to mention to Geoff that I'd been in a Dragon Boat Race previously? I'm certainly not regretting it! Way to Go Parky Paddlers! "
Andrew was a teacher whose professional achievements included senior leadership positions in schools and running a local authority support service for autistic pupils across all ages.
I am proud to have been offered this opportunity to support Parkinson’s UK and their York branch in the 2026 Dragon Boat race. This is because they offer their members like me a wide range of sporting, recreational, creative and social activities which we might not have been able to access otherwise.
Read more of Andrew's story here
Rebecca is a Nordic walking instructor and Owner of Nordic Strides in York.She has been working with Andrew (Miller)for three years and last year they completed the Great North Run together to raise money for Parkinson's UK.
Andrew’s dedication in doing all that he can to fight Parkinson’s is a daily inspiration to me and all who know him within the Nordic Strides Community.
