Francis Docherty, 61, has been a regular gym attendee for approximately 1 year. Francis decided to get active as a result of several health problems he suffered previously. Francis has retired and therefore funds are limited… so Francis decided to contact Active Age and see if we could help.

Francis was provided with complete health and fitness package through Active Age. This included membership at his local health club, giving him access to full state-of-the-art gym facilities, swimming pool, sauna/steam room and a wide range of classes to suit him.

He currently visits his gym 4-5 times a week. Francis commented, ‘I love it, it's part of my life now. I come in have a work out and just relax on pool side. Something I’ve realised is that at my age it’s very important to keep fit... I used to suffer from pains all over, it’s all gone. I feel so energetic and it really pays off when I’m running around playing with my grandchildren, Simon and Mark… Active Age have really changed my life’.

‘Francis has developed his fitness to a very high level over the past year’, added Daniel Stevens, personal trainer for Mr Docherty. His programme, designed specifically to Francis’s fitness goals, consists of both cardio and resistance exercise.

As a result of his hard work and dedication, Francis was awarded the Active Age award honured to individuals who show continuous progression and results throughout the scheme across the UK. Francis added, ‘I’m very proud of myself and it’s a great achievement at my age to be given an award for fitness’.

Francis hopes to continue his training and is currently training to run a marathon for Active Age next year, so he can raise money and give something back to other people who would benefit from the same service that has been delivered to him.