Former Watford and England U21 supervisor Aidy Boothroyd has revealed he has Parkinson’s illness.
The 54-year-old says he was recognized three years in the past throughout a routine well being evaluation by the League Supervisor’s Affiliation.
“The news came as a massive shock to me,” stated Boothroyd in a press release to the LMA.
“It has taken me time to feel ready to share my diagnosis, and I have found it difficult not being completely open with people.
“Personally, my ardour and love for teaching is as robust as ever, I’m specializing in protecting bodily match, which is essential to slowing down the development of Parkinson’s.
“I am ready to start the next chapter in my life. I would like to thank the LMA and Parkinson’s UK for their support.”
Boothroyd took Watford into the Premier League by way of the Championship play-offs in 2006 and led England U21s to victory within the Toulon Match in 2018, capping his work with the nation’s youth groups, which included teaching the U19 and U20 sides.
The previous defender most lately coached Indian facet Jamshedpur and has additionally managed Colchester United, Coventry Metropolis and Northampton City.
LMA CEO Richard Bevan stated: “Aidy has displayed incredible positivity, resolve and determination since his Parkinson’s diagnosis three years ago. His passion for football and people drives him on and he continues to play an active role in the LMA, as an almost ever-present senior member at our events and educational sessions.
“We care deeply for all our members, and Aidy’s perspective since his prognosis has been an inspiration to our complete crew as we proceed to assist him and his household all through this sudden and difficult time.”
Parkinson’s UK CEO Caroline Rassell said: “Everybody at Parkinson’s UK, sends Aidy Boothroyd our greatest needs and thanks him for elevating consciousness of Parkinson’s by publicly sharing his prognosis.
“With more than 40 symptoms, Parkinson’s is unpredictable and undoubtedly introduces new challenges, but with the right support and staying active for 2.5 hours a week people can take control of their lives.
“Aidy is now a part of a group of 153,000 individuals within the UK who reside with Parkinson’s together with the thousands and thousands of family members who assist them. We’re right here to assist all of them.
“A public Parkinson’s diagnosis often encourages people to think about their own health and we would encourage anyone concerned about symptoms to speak to their GP, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the Parkinson’s UK confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.”
