St Albans fitness professional shortlisted for national award

The accolade celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference through fitness and wellbeing - something Delia has built her career around.

For the past nine years, Delia has supported local residents through personal training, specialist classes and health checks.

Six years ago, she qualified as a GP Referral Instructor, enabling her to help patients with long-term conditions, chronic pain and lifestyle-related diseases.

She has since become a specialist instructor for people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, leading three weekly classes in St Albans and Harpenden. She also runs tailored sessions for people recovering from strokes or living with multiple sclerosis.

In recent years, Delia has expanded her expertise into women’s health, helping those going through the menopause to rebuild strength and confidence, and she also delivers Escape Pain programmes at Harpenden Leisure Centre to support people living with chronic hip, knee and back pain.

Her impact can be seen in the feedback she receives from participants. Margaret Martin said: “The best thing that happened to me last year was joining Delia’s classes. She knows so much about Parkinson’s and how to keep us moving and strong.”

Another participant, Eileen Kent added: “Delia’s musculoskeletal class has genuinely changed my life - I can now manage my pain and feel confident exercising again.”

Altogether, more than 300 people locally have benefited from Delia’s support.

Kirsty Jones, Area Contract Activity and Wellbeing Manager at Everyone Active, said: “We are incredibly proud of Delia for being shortlisted among just eight finalists in the Physical Activity Hero category. It’s a fantastic achievement that reflects the life-changing impact she has on our customers every single day. She goes above and beyond for every individual she works with, helping people not only to improve their health but also to regain confidence and independence. The fact that so many residents have already benefited from her expertise shows just how far-reaching her influence is.”

Delia said: “It means so much to be recognised in this way, but for me it has always been about the people I meet and the difference I can make to their lives. Every person has their own story and challenges, and being able to help them take positive steps forward - whether that’s reducing pain, regaining independence, or simply feeling strong and confident again - is what makes this job so special!”

Councillor Helen Campbell, Chair of St Albans City and District Council’s Public Realm Committee, said: “I am very impressed to hear Delia’s work in our communities has been recognised with her being short-listed for this national award. I am sure many of the people she has helped cope with challenging illnesses and conditions through her exercise classes will be delighted as well. More than 300 local people have benefited from Delia’s work and that is an astonishing achievement.”

Delia’s dedication has already been recognised within Everyone Active, where she was named a Colleague Champion earlier this year as part of a national scheme honouring outstanding staff across more than 240 sites. She was one of only a select few to receive the award following nominations from customers.

Now, her work is set to be celebrated even more widely as she competes against finalists from across the country. The winners of the ukactive Awards will be announced at a gala dinner in Birmingham on Thursday, October 30.

Everyone Active acts as an agent of St Albans City and District Council, managing local leisure facilities on its behalf.