Inspirational Stockport grandmother, Maureen Wilkins can definitely hold the title of wonder woman who, as a talented athlete who competes internationally in Duathlons, has qualified for the European Championships 2016 and will be travelling to compete in Germany, thanks to LifeLEISURE’s David Hopkins Foundation.
Left: Maureen Wilkins – A duathlon is a true test of athletic endurance consisting of a running stage, followed by a cycling stage and finishing with a further running stage in a format similar to triathlons; Maureen (51) from South Reddish is a mother of four and grandmother of three, a teacher at the Seashell Trust and this year studied at Manchester University graduating in July with a post graduate diploma in Autism Spectrum Conditions. Incredibly she still finds time for charity work and is currently organising a triathlon on 13th September in support of the Seashell Trust.
Add to all that, she is a coach at Stockport Harriers, something she has done for many years. It is clear to see what dedication and commitment she has shown to achieve so much in her chosen sport, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Life Leisure’s David Hopkins Foundation.
The foundation recently assisted Maureen by providing her with funding to help with equipment and training, an extra boost she needed to reach the very top in her sport.
Maureen explains,
“I am really grateful for the support the foundation has given me. I am a member at Life Leisure and training at their fantastic centres has really helped me with my fitness levels. I work with a great trainer who really puts me through my paces and has helped develop my core strength, enabling me to achieve a number of personal bests. I am now really looking forward to competing in Germany.”
She continued,
“Yes I am very busy, but I am also totally committed to my sport and I must also say a big thank you to my very supportive family. I train six days a week, alternating running, cycling, sessions in the gym & spin classes, as well as attending competitions. I recently ran a half marathon on Snowdon, easy going up but much harder on your knees coming down!”
Mandy Waller, Business Relations Manager at Life Leisure said,
“Maureen is an inspiration, she is committed to her training and strives to do better each time she competes and we are delighted that she will be representing the UK in Germany. We could also see how she spends a lot of her time encouraging others to take up sport including people with disabilities, helping and guiding them to achieve their own goals.
“We are delighted to support Maureen; she is the embodiment of what we are all about here at Life Leisure. We want to encourage everyone in Stockport to take part in a physical activity whether they want to compete at the highest level or just want to improve their health and wellbeing.”
The David Hopkins Foundation is supporting local charities and other good causes that help people to become more active and participate in sport or physical activity. Applications for up to £500 are invited from individuals living in Stockport and for up to £1000 for registered charities or clubs that are based in the Stockport Borough.
The grant application form is simple to complete, so if you would like to apply for funding for your activity or project from the David Hopkins Foundation please visit
www.lifeleisure.net/enterprise/charity or call 0161 482 0900.
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