We recently met with customer, Gerry to hear about his inspiring journey with Active Blackpool

I have always had an affinity with Stanley Park since I was a youngster, a Sports Centre was developed in the mid-1990s so it was a natural thing to do to join I have been a member ever since and it has been a most pleasurable experience.

And I should say that it has kept me going both mentally and physically and that all the staff there have always been friendly, enthusiastic and helpful. Rising at 5.15am is now the norm for me five days a week; I occasionally work out at the weekend, too but have lately decided that as I am not training to be an Olympian I can cut that out! 

I have made many great friends, both with staff members and fellow work out enthusiasts over the years, and hopefully that will continue for some more years yet; it all helps to keep me going and when I miss a session I am most upset. This is a long way from my time as a footballer when, I must admit, I never warmed up or cooled down, something that Phil has instilled in me to do each day, and there is no skiving at all!

I have introduced some of my friends to the pleasures of Blackpool Sports Centre and will continue to do so as long as I am able!

One of the first members at Blackpool Sports Centre, Gerry is a well known face and for his 80th Birthday, his friends treated him to a VIP experience with lots of balloons and fuss!