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Innerva is helping one lucky pensioner to keep active after he started exercising for the first time at the age of 65.

Melvyn Ingram from Sheppey in Kent won a 12-month membership at Sheppey Leisure Complex in summer 2023. With full access to the centre’s diverse range of facilities, it was in the Health Studio where he discovered a new passion for activity.

Melvyn has thrived in the safe and supportive environment of the studio, which offers Innerva’s power-assisted exercise equipment. Despite grappling with rheumatoid arthritis, stress and depression, he completes three rounds of the 10-piece circuit, three to four times every week.

As a result, Melvyn has seen a marked improvement in his health. In addition to losing weight and significantly reducing his blood pressure, Melvyn is more active in his daily life and now volunteers for local charities Sheppey Matters and Wisdom Hospice charity shop.

“He’s brilliant; always on time, so helpful and such a hard worker. If anything breaks around the shop, we know Melvyn will have a good go at fixing it - he’s a proper odd job man for us,” says Julia Purkins, Assistant Manager of the Wisdom Hospice charity shop, where Melvyn volunteers two days a week.

Living alone, the social aspect of the studio has positively impacted Melvyn’s mental health too.

“I love the Health Studio; it sets me up for the day. When I turn up in the morning, I might think I’ve got a few problems on my mind, but by the time I walk out, I’ve solved them all,” he says.

“Coming here has boosted my mental health. The other customers are really friendly and we have a right laugh. I sometimes walk out with my jaw aching because I’ve laughed so much.”

Melvyn is so enjoying the benefits of the Health Studio that he is saving up to continue his membership when it expires in a few months.

In recognition of his dedication, Innerva and Swale Community Leisure, which operates Sheppey Leisure Complex in partnership with Serco Leisure, are funding a six-month extension to Melvyn’s membership, enabling him to continue his fitness journey at the Health Studio.

Laura Childs, Head of Marketing at Innerva, says: “Melvyn’s story demonstrates the positive impact of a supportive and inclusive fitness environment. We are delighted to contribute to the wellbeing of someone who does so much for others and we wish Melvyn many more successful years in the Health Studio.”

James Reynolds, Partnership Manager for Serco Leisure in Kent, said: “Melvyn’s story and experience of the Health Studio is exactly why we created this facility within a facility at Sheppey Leisure Complex back in 2019. The customers who use this part of the centre are often not people who would use a traditional gym, but they’ve found a home at the Health Studio. They’re staying active, keeping socially engaged and as Melvyn has shown, they’re reaping the health benefits!”.