Gym enthusiast Tony Hatton from Woodley in Stockport, who was told he would never walk again is about to take on an amazing challenge to raise funds for two local charities. On 1st September the 64 year old who suffered a stroke ten years ago leaving him paralysed and unable to move, aims to complete two minutes on the treadmill at Life Leisure Stockport Sports Village in Woodley.
Inspired by his trainers at the gym and motivated by a desire to raise money for St Ann’s Hospice and Brentwood School in Altrincham for children with special educational needs, Tony is hoping he will meet the challenge that he once thought beyond his capabilities for ever. His sheer determination and the support of the rehabilitation unit who initially helped him and his wife and family, have helped him to gain new strength.
Tony, a well-known figure and former cub leader for 25 years in Woodley, was the victim of a bottle attack when he went to assist someone outside a pub ten years ago. The attack put him in a coma, on a life support machine and caused an aneurism which left him severely disabled.
During his toughest times and still to this day, Tony tunes into BBC Radio Manchester and listen to DJs Jimmy Wagg and Eamonn O’Neal who cheer him up with their banter. So, to say thank you, Tony wants to donate all the money he raises to their two nominated charities.
Tony explains what the challenge means to him:
“Since going to the gym I have made some great friends and the effort I am putting in is making a huge difference in terms of my increased strength, general fitness and improved abilities. Life Leisure has a really well equipped gym and I go there with my carer Jimmy three times a week. The personal trainers are brilliant, they talk me through what I need to do and give me fantastic support literally every step of the way. I’ve even lost a stone in weight.”
Andy Brooks, Master trainer at Life Leisure commented:
“Tony is an inspiration to everyone. We are delighted to support him in any way we can. He’s worked incredibly hard and we hope that people recognise this by getting behind him and helping him to raise money for charity which will mean so much to him.”
If you would like to support Tony in his treadmill challenge, please donate to his chosen charities by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/tony-hatton/
For more information about joining Life Leisure visit www.lifeleisure.net