Testimonial

Alfie has been a member of Ebbw Vale Sports Centre for many years. His fitness journey, though, was not an easy one; it wasn’t as simple as popping on a pair of trainers and hitting the treadmill.  Alfie’s story is one of true grit and determination. We think Alfie’s story is so inspirational that we asked him if we could share it with you, to show you just how impactful fitness can be, and how, if you make that start, it could change your life forever!

Alfie worked as a long-distance lorry driver; days spent on the road led to unhealthy fast-food options, with little exercise. Although Alfie played Rugby, he admits he wasn’t as fit and healthy as he would have liked to have been.

Fast forward a little, Alfie is in his early fifties, it is at this point that his life changed forever, he suffered a massive stroke out of the blue one day whilst getting ready for work; he knew then things would never be the same again.

Alfie spent 3 months in hospital, and many months after in rehabilitation and physio. It’s at this point he could have given up, but he didn’t, he dug in, joined our National Exercise Referral Scheme, and booked himself into his first class. It was tough; he was completely exhausted after the class, but he knew he had no option but to keep going.

Alfie managed 1 minute on the treadmill during his first session. He spent months working with our Fitness Instructor, David Williams. Now in his seventies, he is completing 4k walks over the space of a week. His passion is to one day complete a marathon on the treadmill over a set period of time.

Anyone who knows Alfie would know he likes a challenge, so our fitness instructors, Lowri and Euan, gave him that challenge. They introduced him to HYROX. Alfie started using HYROX workouts as part of his gym routine, along with weights and CV.

Not only has fitness given Alfie back his independence, but it has also provided the outlet he needed to get himself back on track. Being part of a gym has also helped him build some great relationships, relationships that will last forever.

Alfie, we think your story is truly inspirational, and we thank you for allowing us to share it with everyone. Hopefully, this story will be the inspiration needed for someone else out there who is looking for a reason to get started!

Alfie, Ebbw Vale