Three years ago Adrian Simmonds from Cheadle Heath could not have imagined that he would be taking part in Stockport’s Big Event Series sponsored by Electricity North West for the third consecutive year. He will be taking part in the Big Stockport 10k Run, which is the closing event of this year’s series on Sunday 21st September which attracts both fun and elite runners.
In 2012 when the Big Event Series was launched as a legacy of the London Olympics, Adrian was putting all his efforts into caring for his father who has Alzheimer’s. As a full time carer Adrian wanted to look after his dad in his own home for as long as possible and admits that his own health and fitness suffered as a consequence.
Weighing over 20 stone, feeling unwell, and diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, Adrian took the first steps to turning his health around by taking control of his food intake. This led to initial weight loss but he knew that he really needed to start a controlled exercise regime to set and reach sensible and sustainable goals.
Through the PARiS scheme (Physical Activity Referral in Stockport), a very successful partnership between Life Leisure and NHS Stockport Adrian set out to be more active. Adrian takes up the story: “When I started attending Life Leisure I was managing just a steady walk on the treadmill for 15 minutes. I can’t believe that that has now increased to up to 1 and a half hours at varying speeds and that I now also enjoy using a cross trainer and doing some weights. Once I got going, it really snowballed and I have never looked back. I really want to encourage other people to get a bit fitter and take part in the Big Event Series, it’s fantastic and each year it has been my goal to achieve more each time.”
He continues: “I have had a life changing experience over the past few years. The team at Life Leisure have really helped me through, improving my quality of life and helping me cope with being a full time carer. I would highly recommend other people to get involved in the Big Event, just take the first small step and take part in the Big Walk, you can have some fun with friends and family, or if you are up to it, have a go at the 10k run.”
The Big 10k Run sponsored by Orbit Developments, is aimed at runners aged 16+, of all abilities. This year, local teams of 8 are also invited to enter, there will be a fantastic goody bag for all runners and prizes for men’s, women’s and team categories and this year sees the introduction of chip timing which will provide entrants with an accurate completion time .
But if you don’t feel up to running just yet, there is the Big Stockport 10k Walk on Sunday 7th September, supported by the Rotary Club at Woodbank Park. It is suitable for walkers of all abilities; the group led walk will host three categories catering for the speed walker to the casual stroller.
For more information and details of how to sign up for the Big Stockport Event Series visit www.lifeleisure.net or call Neil Bardsley or Laura Mylotte at Life Leisure on 0161 482 0900.