Christopher Shaw

Chris is an inspirational leader of Advocacy in Wirral, a voluntary organisation that supports people with mental health needs to recover control over their lives. In addition to the practical aspects of the support offered by Advocacy, Chris believes strongly in the benefits of physical exercise to develop and maintain good mental health, so five years ago he established APEx, Advocacy's physical exercise group. Leading by example, he first established a jogging club, leading a small group of people who had never run before so that they developed into keen runners. As their fitness level increased so did their self-confidence and self-esteem which encouraged Chris to expand the exercise activities on offer, so that there is now a flourishing group of more than 50 members who participate in running, walking, swimming, yoga and cycling. Chris developed the group and the members' skills by raising funds so that people access recognised training to become exercise leaders, increasing their own levels of confidence and giving encouragement to newcomers, who appreciated being mentored by people who had experienced similar difficulties themselves. Chris' cheerfulness, enthusiasm and drive motivates people to participate and APEx continues to grow. In addition to participating himself, last year he raised over £500 in a sponsored swim across the Mersey. Truly inspirational, APEx is now a club that is now (two years ago) a member of England athletics.