REMARKABLE RICHARD LOSES 10 STONE IN 10 MONTHS TO BECOME DAVID LLOYD LEISURE PT HERO OF THE YEAR
Motivation, determination and clear direction are key elements in the battle of the bulge, as David Lloyd Leisure member Richard Graham (31) has proved after being voted PT Hero of the Year 2014.
Richard joined his local David Lloyd Milton Keynes in summer 2013, in a bid to lose weight that had been creeping on over the years.
Tipping the scales at a hefty 26.4 stone (168 kg), Richard knew it would be a difficult journey, but through self-determination and motivation from personal training sessions, Richard has managed to lose a staggering 10 stone in 10 months, and now looks better than ever.
Humbled Richard says: “After stepping on the scales one day and seeing that my weight had edged over 26 stone, I knew something had to change.”
When speaking of how far he has come, Richard, who was supported by personal trainer Josh Stephenson, recalls: “I started my weight-loss journey off on my own, and managed to lose just over two stone through sheer determination. Although this was a great achievement, it wasn’t enough for me.
“I tried a personal training session and really enjoyed the motivation and encouragement I was given. It stopped me from giving up when I thought I was done, and allowed me to grow in confidence and work towards new goals. I stopped settling for less.
“Now, I’m thrilled to say I have lost 10 stone in 10 months. I’ve not only changed physically, but also mentally, as I’ve embraced a healthier lifestyle. I feel younger and my energy is through the roof – it’s made me realise than being healthy is important, but it’s also about enjoying life, too!’
Richard was voted winner of PT Hero of the Year 2014 by Facebook fans of Europe’s premier health, sports and leisure group, and overcame competition from five other finalists to win a year’s complimentary membership at his club in Newlands, Milton Keynes. Richard has decided to donate his prize to The Henry Allen Trust, to help raise funds for young children and families who are battling childhood cancer.
“I would not have been able to get to my goal weight without the amount of support I had around me- it kept me going throughout my journey. Therefore, I decided I would donate my prize to The Henry Allen Trust, so that I can help support them in achieving their own goals.”
Dawn Allen, director and founder at The Henry Allen Trust, says: “Team Henry is extremely proud of Richard being voted the David Lloyd Leisure PT Hero of the Year 2014. We are so honoured, and very grateful, to hear that Richard is raffling off his special prize for Henry’s legacy. Henry would be so proud of his achievements.”
David Barker, general manager at David Lloyd Milton Keynes, says: “We are ecstatic to announce Richard as our PT Hero of the Year. He has proved that being out of shape does not need to be a long-term situation, and can be turned around if you have the right mind set, coupled with the support and expertise of a personal trainer.”
Each PT Hero of the Year 2014 nominee will receive a three month club membership to highlight their hard work and effort. These include:
Tony Priest – David Lloyd Cheadle
Declan Dunne – David Lloyd Speke
Nicola Whyte – David Lloyd Glasgow West End
Stuart Robinson – David Lloyd Port Solent
Shiona Falconer – David Lloyd Edinburgh
Note to editors: For further information about this press release, photos or interviews with Adam, contact the David Lloyd Leisure press office on 01707 289833/4 or email press@davidlloyd.co.uk.
About David Lloyd Leisure Group
The David Lloyd Leisure Group operates 81 clubs in the UK and a further 10 clubs across Europe, comprising David Lloyd Clubs , Harbour Clubs and Next Generation, plus the new high street concept, David Lloyd Studio, in Islington, Putney and Winchester. It has over 440,000 members and employs 6,000 people. This includes an expert health and fitness team of over 1,800, while it contracts the services of more than 400 tennis professionals. Across all clubs, David Lloyd Leisure has over 150 swimming pools (of which half are indoor) and offers over 10,000 exercise classes per week. Every week 20,000 children learn to swim at David Lloyd Leisure and 12,500 learn to play tennis. Its racquets facilities are unparalleled with 800 tennis courts as well as 180 badminton courts and 140 squash courts. Additional facilities include health and beauty spas, club lounges with free internet access, crèches, nurseries and specialist sports shops.
