A FITNESS instructor from Bangor has made it to the finals of the prestigious ukactive awards of 2023.
Elaine Hutton is in with a chance to be named the winner in the Physical Activity Hero of the Year category. She will be battling with other candidates in a public vote, which has been taking place since August 21, and will finish on September 22.
The ukactive awards aim to recognise those who are outstanding in their fitness and wellbeing fields.
Elaine has been working at the Aurora leisure centre since 2016. Before she became a fully qualified instructor, she was a regular at group workout classes several times a week.
These classes sparked a passion in Elaine, who then decided to quit her job to volunteer at Aurora. She worked hard to become a fitness instructor, and was quickly offered a job as soon as she qualified.
She has earned praise from representatives from Alzheimer’s Society NI, for the ‘Active Ageing’ yoga classes held at the leisure centre for older people and those suffering from dementia.
Lynda Williams from Alzheimer’s Society UK, said: “Elaine epitomises what it means to support and encourage people to care for themselves. She is not only approachable and caring, but she has a way of making people feel they can achieve their goals.
“Elaine is an absolute star who makes the world a little brighter. She’s a pleasure to work with thanks to her enthusiasm, and her encouraging and determined nature. I can’t think of anyone who is a better ambassador in her field.”
The ukactive awards for 2023 will be held at the New Dock Fall in Leeds on October 26.
Those who wish to vote for Elaine for the Physical Activity Hero of the year, can do so at: www.ukactive.com/ukactive-awards-2023-stage-2-public-vote/