I have a personal training client called Phoebe. She has a rare neuromuscular disease called Fredreichs ataxia. Phoebe was only 10 when I started to help her. Her mum approached me as she was desperate for help with Phoebes Physio exercises. I got to work and qualified in Fitness instruction for children.

I started personal training with Phoebe and made her physio exercises fun by turning them into games and doing it to all her favourite musical songs - she loves musicals!

Watching Phoebe grow, improve her balance, coordination, flexibility and core strength has been hands down the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done!

She is a phenomenal young lady (now 12) and has now gone on to achieve huge things- such as deadlift 65KG and get noticed and invited along to disabled weightlifting competitions- including the Arnold’s! 

Her strength and determination and sheer positive out look on life and disabilities hits my heart so hard. To represent Phoebe in the London marathon and make her proud and support a charity which supports her disability means the world to me!

In more recent months I have gained a client called Carl who has also been diagnosed with Ataxia,, I’ve started to help him and his goals too.  As a Personal trainer for over 21 years, it is now that I feel like this is my place…. Helping people like Phoebe and Carl means everything and is so rewarding.  Step by step, session by session, week by week and month by month …. Movements get easier and muscles get stronger.

Something that rings true in both of them is the determination…. They don’t give up, they keep trying new movements and exercises, they won’t stop until they can do it…. Amazes me every session! I am truly blessed to work with such great human beings ❤️

The joy helping them gives me is unexplainable and although running the London marathon is MY dream and a huge goal for me as a passionate runner for over 30 years …. Doing it for Phoebe, Carl and Ataxia UK is a true honour.