John Donald

I have known John since he joined our gym just after his 50th birthday when he came in as a reluctant new member.

His motivation was to lose weight and improve his quality of life, he was overweight and done little exercise through his life. John started with a walk on a treadmill and has progressed onto running 10k runs for the first time this year and is aiming at a half marathon for next year. He is now such an enthusiastic member he helps us organise our own 10k run now which has raised over £7,000 for the local hospice. Over £5k of that money was through Johns own hard work with sponsorship, an amazing and selfless feat.

John is now a regular, has completely changed his eating habits (even making suggestions to our chef regards healthy options on the menu !!!!!!)

John is now recognised as a 'cult' figure within the club and has had such a positive impact on countless people who have saw his transformation and motivation and have used that to drive themselves on. John always gives encouragement to these people. Even when he was caring for his mother he would find time to pop in for a quick chat and let us know he was doing her garden and not slacking !

I strongly feel that John is so deserving of this honour and he apitimises what sport should be about, having a positive impact on your life in so many ways It will be a fitting tribute and honour for him to play a part in history and a motivation to countless others, whatever their age, as well as reward for him