14 November 2007 Darren Wins Fitness First Award

Inspirational Darran Winfield-Stanesby, from Mansfield has just returned from a lavish awards ceremony in London where he fought off over 1,200 entries to scoop the top prize at the Fitness First New You Achievement Awards.

During a night of high emotions and inspiring stories, the Fitness First New You Achievement Awards recognises those who have beaten the odds and put their life back on track. The New You Achievement Awards are a first in the fitness industry – and unique to Fitness First. Their purpose is to celebrate member success and offers a platform for stories of weight loss achievements, outstanding sport and fitness goals and the overcoming of serious health problems through exercise.

Darran suffered a stroke in his early 30s and during recovery was diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia – a disease of the brain, which left him wheelchair-bound.

A desire to raise money for the condition prompted him to get fit and, at the end of September of this year, Darran took part in ‘Ten tonnes for £10,000 in 10 hours’ bench press challenge to raise money for Ataxia UK.

Darran now has the chance to qualify for the 2012 Paralympics and Mansfield Fitness First was the only club that would house Darran’s special paralympic bench, allowing him to train. Darran visits Fitness First three times a week and is determined to bench press 180kgs by January 2009.

The judges, who included GMTV’s Dr. Hilary Jones and Angie Dowds from Living TV’s Biggest Loser, spent a full day with the 15 other finalists. As part of his prize Darran has won £2,000 holiday vouchers and an all-expenses paid weekend in London.

For the latest news from Ataxia UK and to join our media mailing list, contact Ataxia UK Press Officer Barnaby Levy on 020 7582 1444 pressoffice@ataxia.org.uk.

Helpline: 0845 644 0606

14 November 2007 Darren Wins Fitness First Award