YMCA

Cheltenham YMCA’s ‘Morning Crew’ Race for Winston’s Wish

Championed by Kevin Pollard who has been a member of Cheltenham YMCA for 22 years, a team of athletes dubbed the ‘Morning Crew’, took part in the annual Winston’s Wish challenge at Cheltenham Racecourse during the festive period – the result has been an invigorated team and a commitment to continue raising funds for worthy causes.

Kevin said: “The race provided us with the opportunity to combine a test of our physical fitness with the worthwhile cause of raising money for children who have experienced bereavement. We look forward to raising money for other charitable causes in the future”

The dedicated ‘Morning Crew’ has met most weekday mornings during the last two years to work out at Cheltenham’s YMCA and this is the first race in which they have competed together. Between them they have clocked up an amazing 33 years of membership at the YMCA and formed a tight bond.

“Working together to set and reach personal goals, sharing in achievements and spurring each other on makes all the difference,” said Michael Ede who, in addition to being a member of the ‘Morning Crew’ is also Vice Chairman of Cheltenham YMCA. “The YMCA offers a close-knit environment which sets us apart from other gyms.”

The YMCA members’ team who raced in the four mile challenge consisted of Kevin Pollard,Michael Ede, and Claire Varlet-Baker. The participants, who range from 30-50 years in age, achieved impressive times of between 26 and 38 minutes.

According to Michael: “The race’s atmosphere was incredibly positive and everyone wanted to achieve the best time possible. Without the support and motivation of my YMCA team mates during both the training and the race I would never have been able to finish in such a good time.”

The family atmosphere at the YMCA nurtures and encourages all aspects of life making it an integral part of the local community. In the coming months, whilst New Year resolutions are still intact, the YMCA looks forward to welcoming and encouraging new and old members alike.

Helping out in Africa

Thanks to the support of the Cheltenham YMCA’s residential team, current resident Louis Haslum has embarked on a once in a lifetime trip to Mamre, near Cape Town South Africa in a bid to enhance the lives of the local community.

During his 10-week placement, organised by the global volunteering scheme Platform 2, Louis, 21, will be working on a variety of projects including building wells, schools and health centres.

What’s more when he returns, Louis will act as an ambassador for Platform 2 and share his experiences with other young people in the Cheltenham in particular the YMCA to encourage them to get involved with similar campaigns.

“This is such a good chance to do something amazing,” said Louis, who became a resident at Cheltenham YMCA in August 2008. Since that time he has, with the support available at the charity, worked to forge his own future becoming a positive example to other young people and a shining light regarding the support offered by the YMCA.

“We’re very proud of Louis,” explains Jerry Evans, Operations Manager for Cheltenham YMCA. “He has worked incredibly hard and we wish him the very best in South Africa knowing that he will be an excellent YMCA representative and we look forward to welcoming him home and hearing all about his experience.”

Summer activities launched for teenagers by Cheltenham YMCA

As the school summer holidays start in earnest Cheltenham YMCA has launched a new programme of activities specifically designed to keep young minds and bodies active.

Sessions including circus skills, extreme martial arts and Wii-Fit competitions top the bill, although YMCA’s Operations Manager, Jerry Evans, believes the programme has been designed to ensure there is something for everyone.

“Summer holidays can sometimes stump even the most imaginative parents and teenagers when it comes to finding things to do,” explains Jerry. “We’ve combined the more well-known sports such as squash, badminton and short tennis with activities including circus skills, extreme martial arts and street dance to broaden the appeal of the programme and hopefully spark enthusiasm for keeping fit over the coming weeks.”

To kick the programme off Star 107.5 Drive Time Presenter Gregg Upwards, who is currently working through his own fitness programme at the YMCA, has welcomed the ‘bored teenagers’ campaign and, together with Breakfast Show Host, Joe Lemar, is set to join the first Circus Skills and Street-Dance sessions.

“With so many reports these days on child obesity it’s great to see that the Cheltenham YMCA provide activities that add fun and a touch of ‘the unusual’ to keeping fit,” explains Gregg. “There’s no excuse for teenagers being bored this summer with such a jammed packed programme on offer!”

Gregg’s relationship with the Cheltenham YMCA started several weeks ago when the YMCA sponsored him to lose weight as part of the radio station’s ‘What will you do to raise £107.5?’ campaign, launched to raise money for the Pied Piper Appeal.

Following a consultation with Cheltenham YMCA’s Fitness Manager, Rob Charsley, a programme of activity was drawn up specifically to meet Gregg’s requirements. The challenge will see Gregg lose 12kg over a 15 week period which will bring him into a normal weight range for his BMI (body mass index). For variety the programme includes gym and class sessions and as a result Gregg has experienced many of the facilities at the YMCA.

“I think the Cheltenham YMCA is one of the town’s best kept secrets,” continues Gregg. “Its location and programme of activities means it is very popular. There is a great atmosphere and I’m sure the kids are going to have a fantastic time at the sessions dedicated for them. I know when I was their age I’d have loved to have attended – perhaps I can recapture my youth by joining in on the 28^th!”

Gregg is well on his way to hitting his target weight. To follow his progress tune into his drive time show, visit the Star 107.5 website www.totalstar.co.uk or the YMCA website www.cheltenhamymca.com

Cheltenham YMCA Bites Back at the Bulge!

At a time when people in Cheltenham, and the rest of the UK, are becoming increasingly unfit and overweight, Cheltenham YMCA has augmented its gym and fitness facilities with an in-house Health Treatment facility.

Operated by specifically trained health and fitness specialists, clients can now be guided through a comprehensive, bespoke programme that will enable them to tackle the bulge, improve tone and their overall health and fitness.

Offering a range of treatments, from sports and therapeutic massage through to health testing, GP referrals and beauty treatments visitors can now benefit from an holistic approach to their health and fitness needs.

According to YMCA CEO, David Wallace, the launch of the treatment room was a natural progression: “We have a variety of services here at the YMCA and our gym and fitness sessions, in particular, are very popular. The treatment room, coupled with our trained staff, means we can ensure that all visitors will access the best possible advice for all their health needs.”

Rob Charsley, Fitness Manager at the YMCA is GP referral qualified and has already helped visitors benefit from this new service

"Working with individuals that have been referred to us from their GP is very rewarding,” explains Rob. “Just recently, one lady who came to us through her GP because of her high blood pressure has been able to reduce her medication by 50% because of the fitness regime we were able to develop specifically for her. Understandably she is thrilled to bits, as are we."

Although the treatment room takes medical referrals, the YMCA is keen to broaden the appeal to anyone who feels the need to ‘de-stress’ or benefit from sports injury advice and support.

ENDS

For more information on Cheltenham YMCA please call Karen on 01242 524024 or email karen@cheltenhamymca.com

About Cheltenham YMCA

Cheltenham YMCA was founded in 1855, and is a registered Charity Number 1079951. Open to all age groups – men and women, boys and girls, Cheltenham YMCA offers a wide range of mind, body and spirit programmes. Whether you are looking for accommodation, affordable recreation and leisure facilities, a town centre meeting room, a modern fitness suite or a just a cup of tea. There is something for everyone at Cheltenham YMCA.

Bishop of Gloucester confirmed as

Cheltenham YMCA president

Cheltenham YMCA is delighted to announce the appointment of its new president, The Bishop of Gloucester, The Rt Revd Michael Perham. Bishop Michael, the 40^th Bishop of Gloucester, is thrilled to be involved with the region’s leading Christian charity as it embarks on a new phase in its history. “It is exciting to be part of such a thriving organisation that has at its heart the recipe for healthy living - mind, body and soul,” commented Bishop Michael.

Cheltenham YMCA is dedicated to making a difference to the lives of young people in the community by reaching out and offering support when and where they need it most. As part of an enlightened new vision Cheltenham YMCA has launched a new, user friendly website and created fresh and informative literature to inform the community of its services.

The appointment of Bishop Michael is a perfect fit for the YMCA, a charitable organisation built on firm Christian foundations. David Wallace, Chief Executive of Cheltenham YMCA, said “Having Bishop Michael as our President is a very positive step and we are delighted by his agreement to take on this role. Bishop Michael has always been a great supporter of the work of the YMCA in Gloucestershire, and of youth work in general. We look forward to an exciting time ahead, which we are sure will be greatly enhanced by the additional encouragement and involvement afforded us by the Bishop.”

heltenham YMCA, founded in 1855, offers something for everyone at its location, close to the Town Hall, in the centre of town. There are a wide range of body, mind and spirit programmes on offer, a range of fitness classes for all ages, a fully equipped fitness suite, and a variety of conference rooms for hire.

ENDS

For more information on Cheltenham YMCA please call Karen on 01242 524024 or e mail karen@cheltenhamymca.com

For immediate release

Date: 10 March 2009

25 July 2009

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