Fitness instructor who is making a real difference to people

A Horwich fitness instructor is up for a national award.

Steve Hill, who is known as 'Ste' by his friends, has been recognised in the National Fitness Awards' Outstanding Achievement category for his 'inspirational' work at Horwich Leisure Centre.

Mr Hill, who has been with the centre for more than 10 years, manages a number of exercise classes, including Low-Impact Circuits and Cardio Tennis.

His overall contribution to the health and well-being of the community has gained him recognition from the National Fitness Award judges.

One of his customers, Gillian, credits Mr Hill with 'saving her life.'

She said: "I used to be very active, but a knee injury put paid to that.

"I remember the first time I entered the gym at Horwich Leisure Centre.

"I was in tears, as I didn’t have the leg strength to do even one push of the indoor cycle pedal.

"Ste was there that day and took me under his wing."

Gillian, who was told by doctors that she would 'never run again', is now an active member of a local running club.

She said: "I can never thank Ste enough for what he’s done."

Mr Hill has helped hundreds of locals over the years, using his 'patient and understanding' approach to introduce people to a more active lifestyle, benefiting their physical and mental health.

The National Fitness Awards, organised by Script Events in conjunction with Workout Magazine and supported by ServiceSport, are an annual event recognising 'excellence and achievement' in gyms across the country.

The judging process involves a series of written submissions and a judge’s visit, followed by a comprehensive report to an expert judging panel.

Mahendra Patel, partnership manager for Bolton Community Leisure Trust, which operates Horwich Leisure Centre, said: "We’re all so proud of Ste and wish him the best of luck for the awards night, which takes place in Leicester on November 29.

"It’s people like Ste who make our centres such welcoming places, as we support people of all ages and abilities towards more active, happier lives."

National Fitness Awards’ event director Dominic Musgrave said: "The National Fitness Awards are now in their 14th year and with more entries than ever before, our finalists really have reason to celebrate too as it’s a huge achievement to have made the shortlist and is testament to the teams behind each."