Monthly blog round-up: April
Activity Alliance features a blog post every Friday – sharing the experiences of disabled people involved in sport and exercise at all levels, and those who support disabled people, on their journey to being more active. Today, we take a look back at our blogs throughout April and look forward to May’s stories.
On Thursday 26 April 2018 Activity Alliance was announced as the new name for the English Federation of Disability Sport. We are the same team working towards the same goals, continuing to share stories from active disabled people, just with a new image. Read on for our first monthly blog round-up as Activity Alliance.
Shona - becoming more active
The start of April saw Shona write her third blog for us about her journey on becoming more active. In this blog post Shona tells us how she found the social side of exercising beneficial.
“I’ve since joined in with the older swimmers again, despite the closed lanes now being open, as the social side of exercise is something that I’ve really come to enjoy, which has surprised me. I can see now why there is a dedicated over 50s session as it really can make a difference when you’re exercising with someone else. The social benefits of exercise became apparent to me that day.”
Charlotte Banfield – surfer
We also heard from Team England surfer, Charlotte, in April. She explains how being active and learning to surf has helped her balance and coordination.
“Before I started surfing, I struggled with the smallest things like tying my shoelaces, but now I’ve found alternative ways to do those things. This has been a big lesson for me, I realised that everyone is aiming for the same destination but our journeys are different and that’s ok.”
Emily-Jane Surgeoner – swimmer
April saw the country’s best swimmers head to Southampton for the National Junior Para-Swimming Championships on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 April. We heard from one of the competitors, Emily-Jane. She told us how having the support from her dad, former Paralympian Robin Surgeoner, means a lot to her. We also heard from Robin on what it’s like to train his daughter.
“I love swimming, it’s a fun form of exercise as I don’t get to run around in the playground. I especially love learning new techniques that make me swim better.”
David Snodgrass – 2018 London Marathon runner for Activity Alliance
Mid-April saw 27 amazing people run the London Marathon in support of Activity Alliance. To celebrate this we published a series of blog from three of our fundraisers, the first one being David.
“I’m looking forward to feeling the achievement when I finish."
Phill Laycock - 2018 London Marathon runner for Activity Alliance
Technical Research Director, Phill Laycock also laced up his running shoes in support of Activity Alliance. He told us how important the benefits of running are to him and how excited he was to be taking part in his first marathon.
“Running provides me with longer term health benefits.”
John Somerville - 2018 London Marathon runner for Activity Alliance
Veteran runner for our charity, John Somerville, took part in his fifth London Marathon for Activity Alliance, he told us how he was looking forward to the crowds cheering him and all the other runners on.
“Running the London Marathon is a brilliant experience.”
Anthony Hornby – runner
In-keeping with marking the 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon, we also heard from Anthony. He told us how hard his training has been and how being active helps his mind stay clear.
“It used to be that walking helped my mind stay clear and focussed. Whenever I was feeling confused or overwhelmed I would go for a walk. Now I run regularly and I find that it helps me remain calm. It helps me feel in control of my life too and I feel I can do anything.”
Hannah Shelmerdine – sailor
In our last blog in April we heard from Hannah. She told us how sailing brings out her competitive side and gives her something to aim for.
"Before joining Bolton Sailability, I had very few friends and little structure in my life. I had nothing to do, nowhere to go and no one that I could really relate to. I felt lonely and isolated. Now, thanks to sailing, I have many friends and enjoy a very full and active social life."
That’s all for our April round-up. May will see us hear from Shona and her swimming journey, as well as plenty more blogs from active disabled people.
If you're interested in writing a blog about your experiences of sport and exercise, please email news@activityalliance.org.uk or call 0161 228 2868.
