Life Leisure – which manages 12 sports and leisure facilities in and around Stockport – hosted the glittering event at The Principal Manchester hotel, to thank employees for the work they do to help people in Stockport get healthier – from losing weight or gaining confidence, to becoming more active or learning a new sport.
Life Leisure’s CEO Malcolm McPhail, said: “Our employees are exceptional people, and it’s important that we recognise the great work that they do every day with a special event celebrating them.”
Special awards in honour of former Chairs and respected Stockport businessmen David Hopkins and Alwin Thompson went to the ‘lifesaving’ team from Life Leisure Cheadle and to Ollie Freeman, respectively.
The Cheadle lifesaving team sprang into action last October when a regular swimmer had a seizure in the pool. They administered CPR and used the pool defibrillator to restart her heart. Paramedics who attended the scene said that without rapid and decisive action by the entire team, she would not have survived.
Ollie Freeman, aged just 22, won the Alwin Thompson Scholarship for the outstanding skills he has developed in seven years with Life Leisure. An excellent swimmer and keen musician, Ollie has shown his commitment to his own personal development and also to Marple where he teaches children swimming.
Danny Drayson, senior fitness instructor at Grand Central was named Sentinel of the Year– this prize is awarded to an exceptional individual who stands out from the crowd for their achievements and hard work. In his citation, Danny was described as a person who ‘cares about everyone’ and is ‘attentive, considerate and goes out of his way to engage and make people feel welcome.’ Colleagues gave him a standing ovation as he went up to collect his award.
Malcolm said: “Its people are what make Life Leisure and I couldn’t be more proud of my team. They are fantastic individuals and it’s a privilege to share the great work they’ve been doing and recognise their successes.”