The PARiS scheme (Physical Activity Referral in Stockport), a joint partnership between Life Leisure and Public Health in Stockport, have made a world of difference to the health and wellbeing of a Stockport man.
The PARiS scheme provides specialist advice, activity sessions and support for people who have a medical condition and who need to be more physically active to better manage their health.
In August 2014, Richard Hope from Bramhall weighed 24½ stones having given little attention to his health and taken no exercise; in his own words ‘he didn’t care’ as for the previous eight years he had been in a sedentary job, piled on the pounds and suffering from diabetes. His doctor referred him onto the PARiS scheme resulting in lower bold pressure, a reduction in his diabetic reading and a weight loss of 65 lbs / nearly 30kgs.
Richard Hope and Life Leisure trainer Savvas Savvides
Richard (58) a retired policeman, explains:
“Basically, I decided I wanted to stay alive, I had never been in a gym in my life, but I knew once I got started and with the right support, I would be able to do it, I knew exercise would work and this was the push I needed. The team at Life Leisure in Hazel Grove has been really supportive they have helped me to change my life for the better; you work to a plan that’s created for you which is combined with a healthy diet.
He continued:
“I think it’s important to keep looking ahead and I have a few targets which I am aiming for this year. There has been so much I haven’t been able to do, I am getting my life back and it is thanks to the support of Life Leisure, family and friends which has really helped me to keep going. So this year I would like to go to Alton Towers and actually fit on a ride! I also have on my wish list a trip down the zip wire at Penrhyn Quarry in Bethesda and for that I have to be 18 stones, so I’m getting there.”
Michelle Childs, Physical Activity & Health manager at Life Leisure commented:
“Richard came to us with real health problems, which were inhibiting what he could do. We started off slowly and gradually built up the exercise he was doing and now he is so much healthier. What often happens is that people get to a point where they are physically unable to move enough, and also have the misconception that you have to fit to go to a gym. That really isn’t how it works at Life Leisure, we are different, we are here to help people like Richard turn their lives around, and that’s why we love what we do. So please don’t put off going to the doctor, Richard is showing just how possible it is to get yourself back to health and enjoying life.”
To find out more about the PARiS scheme and what’s on at your local Life Leisure centre visit www.lifeleisure.net or call 0161 482 0900