Hemel leisure centre raises more than £1,000 for Stroke Association in honour of member
A fundraising fitness event at Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre has smashed its target more than twice over, raising £1,185 for the Stroke Association - more than double the original £500 goal - in tribute to a member who has been part of the centre's community for over two decades.
Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre, operated by Everyone Active on behalf of Dacorum Borough Council, hosted the 'Attackathon' on Friday 15 May - a high-energy group exercise event with an 'anything but gym wear' dress code, featuring multiple fitness classes back to back.
The event was organised by instructors in honour of long-standing member Neil Fleming, who suffered a stroke five weeks ago.
Neil, a member for 22 years, attends classes and the gym regularly and was previously a finalist representing Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre at the prestigious Fortis Championships. To those who know him, the leisure centre is far more than a place to work out.
"My gym family, as I call them - I really enjoy being with them most days and supporting them if they need it," said Neil. "Every time I train I have a smile on my face.”
Neil has since visited the centre to see staff and fellow members for the social side of his recovery, though he is not yet back training.
His occupational therapists have reportedly been blown away by the speed of his progress - something Neil puts firmly down to the fitness foundation he built at the centre over the years.
"My outlook on health and fitness, whilst unchanged, tells me that this is the top of the pyramid 365 days a year," he said. "You treat your fitness with the highest importance and everything else waterfalls from there. There is no substitute for being fit and healthy. My attitude on life makes me realise that this health hiccup could have been very much more serious - I feel lucky that my fitness base may have made the outcome more positive than it could have been. It definitely made a huge difference."
The support from the leisure centre team and fellow members has also played a significant role in his recovery.
"It has been incredible how the support from the gym instructors has helped me, whether it be a welcome party on my first visit to see everyone, or offers of help for transport as I can't drive during this period," he said.
"It's also very uplifting to receive get well cards through my door from countless gym members, and the messages on social media have been super valuable to help recovery commence. I feel very lucky to be part of such a special club that has ace instructors and great and sociable members."
On the Attackathon itself, Neil was characteristically enthusiastic - even if doctor's orders meant he had to take a back seat on the day.
"The Attackathon is an unbelievable initiative from leisure centre instructors to dream up and to organise," he said. "Everyone who knows me will know that it's not a comfortable place for me to be inactive for a class."
David Tenny, General Manager, Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre said: “Neil has been a familiar face here for over 20 years - so when news of his stroke came through, our staff and members wanted to do something meaningful. Raising more than £1,100 for the Stroke Association in one evening speaks for itself. We're all looking forward to having him back."
Looking ahead, Neil has clear goals for the road back.
"To use the expertise that is within the instructors to build myself up again as quickly and safely as possible - to ensure this event never has to be repeated for me," he said.
The £1,185 raised will go to the Stroke Association, which funds research, supports survivors and their families, and campaigns to improve stroke care across the UK.