Who we are
Introducing the team of volunteers founding Parkinson’s England Table Tennis.
Rob Cook, Co-chair
“ The inaugural UK Championship was the first time I’d met other people with Parkinson’s. I found a welcoming, sharing community…“
Teenage table tennis was a sign of my well-spent youth. After arriving from the deep south to study in Leeds, I never left. Just an occasional player for the next 35 years I quickly realised after my Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2019 that I had to get back into table tennis. The inaugural UK Championship was the first time I’d met other people with Parkinson’s. I found a welcoming, sharing community, and have since played in tournaments in several countries, including Japan, where I was fortunate to visit with my partner in 2025. With friends I founded Leeds ParkyPING! in 2023, putting to good use some of the skills and experience gained from decades working in the voluntary and community sector. As well as weekly sessions, we now have a successful Parkinson’s-only team in the Leeds league, supported by a partnership with my local club. I want to play, to support others locally to play, and ensure that as many people as possible living with Parkinson’s in England, have access to table tennis.
photo by Michael Loveder photography
Sandy Nash, Co-chair
“I am excited to help PETT grow so that table tennis touches the lives of more people living with Parkinson’s across England.”
Table tennis has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, ever since I was first coached aged nine. Over the years I have played at local, county and British Club’s league levels, and remain an active player. I am also a level 2 coach, national umpire, qualified referee and tournament organiser. In recent years, I have found particular motivation in supporting people living with Parkinson’s through the sport. I now run Parkinson’s table tennis groups in Enfield and Old Harlow, supported by dedicated volunteers, and see first-hand the difference the sport can make. I love that players can often “leave Parkinson’s at the door”, and that the camaraderie and shared experience are just as important as what happens at the table. I officiated at the 2025 Parkinson’s World Championships in France, and continue to support competitions at different levels. The warmth and positivity of the Parkinson’s table tennis community continue to inspire me. I am excited to help PETT grow so that table tennis touches the lives of more people living with Parkinson’s across England.
Rob Dawson, Treasurer
“I aim to help co-ordinate, assist and encourage new groups throughout England, giving people with Parkinson’s an opportunity to benefit their condition, bringing some normality back to their lives, alongside friendship and support.“
I played table tennis to a reasonable standard in the 70’s and 80’s, and was persuaded to give it another go in 2012 after a 34 year break! That same year I retired after a long career in the energy supply industry and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. In 2021 I turned up, knowing nobody, at the first PingPongParkinson UK championship at St Neots. By the time I left I had gained a bronze medal and several new friends. I have since won more medals, and many more friends, at the Scottish International Open and five PPP World Championships around Europe. In 2023, inspired by what table tennis does for people with Parkinson’s I started a local group with my club (MESC, in Stoke-on-Trent). The first members, all beginners, are now all regulars, and some play in tournaments. Through PETT, I aim to help co ordinate, assist and encourage new groups throughout England, giving people with Parkinson’s an opportunity to benefit their condition, bringing some normality back to their lives, alongside friendship and support.
Gary Lee, Secretary
“I have found table tennis to be a powerful way to focus on ability rather than illness. When I play, my attention is on the ball, not on Parkinson’s.”
I am proud to be the voluntary Secretary of Parkinson’s England Table Tennis. Having lived with Parkinson’s since 2007, I have found table tennis to be a powerful way to focus on ability rather than illness. When I play, my attention is on the ball, not on Parkinson’s. I played table tennis to a good standard in my younger years before moving on to tennis and squash. After becoming involved in Parkinson’s table tennis, I helped organise England’s first Parkinson’s table tennis competition and have since played in numerous tournaments. These events have enabled me to travel, meet remarkable people, build lasting friendships, and win several medals. Inspired by these experiences, in 2023 I established a local Parkinson’s table tennis session in Harold Hill (London), and helped create a central point of contact for the sport in England. The dedicated PETT team works to connect people, reduce isolation, and promote the physical, mental, and social benefits that table tennis can provide.
Pauline Jones, Committee member
“One of my greatest wishes is that we can make more people aware of the benefits of table tennis, and make it accessible to all who are living with Parkinson’s.”
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2018, I learnt that regular exercise was essential in managing symptoms. I was intrigued that table tennis, which I’d last played in a youth club 50 years earlier, was considered one of the best forms of exercise. The first time I stepped, with trepidation, into a training session I knew I was among friends. I came away filled with enthusiasm and eager to start a local group. I founded the Harlow group, with funds from Parkinson’s UK, where I could play regularly and where other people with Parkinson’s could experience the amazing effect the sport has on symptom management, mood and wellbeing. I have since played in various tourrnaments, including three PingPongParkinson World Championships, and even won a few medals! I have relocated to the midlands. I’m developing my wheelchair skills so that I can continue to play. One of my greatest wishes is that we can make more people aware of the benefits of table tennis, and make it accessible to all who are living with Parkinson’s.
Nick Kreel, Committee member
“I genuinely see table tennis, and more specifically the table tennis community, as a means to connect people and enhance mental and physical wellbeing of all participants regardless of ability.”
In 2017 I retired from my career teaching modern languages to be Head of Community Outreach at Brighton Table Tennis Club. I transferred my skills developed in teaching towards coaching disadvantaged children and adults in the local area. I am a level 2 coach, working five days a week in four schools and at our two venues in Brighton. In May 2021 we set up a session specifically for people living with a long-term health condition, which is Parkinson’s in the majority of cases. We visited the Parkinson’s exercise unit connected to the local hospital and explained the benefits of taking up table tennis. We have now grown to two x 2 hour sessions per week, each with 20 participants. I genuinely see table tennis, and more specifically the table tennis community, as a means to connect people and enhance mental and physical wellbeing of all participants regardless of ability.
