Mr Motivator visits Gifford Lea

TV fitness instructor, Mr Motivator, made a special appearance at Gifford Lea retirement village in Tattenhall to warm up a crowd of over 70 local children and to welcome residents and members of Inspired's senior management who had completed their 1,000 mile cycling challenge, to raise £20,000 for Mind.

Residents at Gifford Lea retirement village have been taking part in a national cycling challenge organised by Inspired Villages. The Inspired 1,000 Mile Challenge saw a team of the company's senior management take on a gruelling 500 mile cycle ride, starting at Millbrook Village, its most southerly village, in Exeter and ending at Gifford Lea in Tattenhall.

Whilst they were doing this, residents, staff and visitors at Inspired's retirement villages were invited to make up the remaining 500 miles on static bikes, on foot, in wheelchairs, and even on a horse, all to raise money for charity. The team have since collectively clocked up over 11,000!

The Inspired 1,000 Mile Cycle Challenge is part of Inspired Villages' commitment to the health and wellbeing of its residents and raising awareness of the importance of keeping active in later life.

Now aged 66, Mr Motivator – real name Derrick Evans – rose to fame in the 1990s after appearing on the breakfast show GMTV as an exercise instructor. The fitness guru is now a leading health and wellbeing coach, so who better to don his trademark Lycra and join the Inspired 1,000 Mile Challenge. After pedalling to the finale, Mr Motivator praised the team and everyone who took part in the challenge across the whole Inspired community.

He said: "This was a fantastic event and a great achievement for everyone involved, whether they cycled 100 miles or a mile. It shows what people can achieve when we motivate and encourage each other to get moving.
"Exercise is so powerful; it can help us all to live happy, healthy lives – whatever our age. I should know because I'm in my 60s and I feel better than ever.
"Being active gives you a sense of achievement, keeps your mind and body healthy, and is a brilliant way to meet people and socialise. You could go for a walk with friends, join an exercise class or a cycling group – the important thing is that you find something you enjoy.
"It's clear that everyone – including myself – had a lot of fun taking part in this challenge, which has inspired so many people to come together and move their bodies."

Jamie Bunce, CEO of Inspired Villages, said: "We are committed to improving the physical, social and mental wellbeing of our residents across the UK. The 1,000 Mile Challenge is a fantastic way to drive forward Inspired's health and wellbeing agenda and this week has been an incredible experience for all involved".

For more information, events and current availability at Gifford Lea please visit the website at: www.inspiredvillages.co.uk/villages/tattenhall or call: 01829 238 690.