Breast Cancer Survivor Shrinks to Get Fit

Exterior Shot of Soar Valley Leisure Centre, Kingfisher Road, Mountsorrel

A CANCER survivor has shed a whopping three-and-a-half stone after winning VIP gym membership in a Council competition.

Caroline Carr, 62, of Sileby, has dropped three dress sizes – from 24 to 18 -through exercising at Soar Valley Leisure Centre in Mountsorrel. Caroline was the winner of Charnwood Borough Council’s Gym’ll Fix It competition last year.

The facility, which is operated by the Council’s leisure centre partner Fusion Lifestyle, is among a range of healthy fitness weapons available to Charnwood residents in the battle against the bulge.

Caroline said: “My treatment for breast cancer made me put on a lot of weight. Looking at a photo of myself from three years ago, I was a generous size 24.

“We went to my daughter’s wedding before Christmas and I felt much happier in an 18, even though my mother-of-the-bride hat did keep slipping down! It was a lovely wedding and I can’t wait to see the photos.

“The leisure centre has really helped me. The staff are very friendly and I’ve been surprised at how many people my age use the facilities. My next goal is to take up Aqua Aerobics and I hope to lose another two-and-a-half stone.”

Councillor Paul Harley, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture said: “I’d like to congratulate Caroline on her amazing achievement. She is an inspiration to other residents who might be looking to improve their own health and fitness.

“Remember there is a wide range of equipment and activities offered by the Council which are there to help you.”

Caroline’s trainer, Caroline Hathaway of Fusion Lifestyle said “Despite her initial concerns about being ‘too old’ and ‘unfit’ to use the gym, she quickly settled into her challenge [and] maintained her enthusiasm and motivation, despite having to juggle her working life. I feel extremely privileged to have been able to help her reach the goals she was determined to reach.”

As well as leisure centres, Charnwood Borough Council runs activities for residents of all ages and abilities.

The Council’s Play Rangers and Early Years Physical Activity teams offer a programme of activities for babies and children up to five years old. http://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/playrangers http://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/early_years_activities

Active Together offers a range of activities for people aged 16 and over throughout the borough. http://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/active_together

Holiday Programmes are available to keep kids busy during school holidays http://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/holidayprogrammes

Sportivate is aimed at getting people aged 14-25 into more health and fitness activities http://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/sportivate_activities

The Wild Card is available for children aged 5 – 16 years or people with a disability. It gives members up to 50% off on activities offered by the Council and usually costs £3 but is half price during February and March.

Wild Card members can enjoy special discounts at over 40 sports, leisure and arts facilities, visitor attractions and local retailers across the East Midlands.  http://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/charnwoodleisurepass_wildcard

For more information please contact Senior Sports Development Officer Hayley Boereboom, 01509 634 592 or at Hayley.boereboom@charnwood.gov.uk.