Our Community Ambassadors Stories

Kevin Frisby

I used to serve in the RAF and kept fit by running 3-4 times a week and weight training. Despite this, I have a family history of high cholesterol, which caused my arteries to block. On August 16th, I ran my fastest-ever 10 miles. The next day, I had a stent fitted after a cardio angioplasty at Castle Hill. After recovering, I returned to exercise and haven’t needed to see the cardiologist since. I now train 5-6 days a week, combining strength and cardio. Although I’ve faced anxiety, my determination to live a full, active life has kept me going.

James Dynia

Having been born with Muscular Dystrophy, I never thought that I would ever play sport as a child. This all changed when I found out about wheelchair basketball when a team came to demo it in my school, who still excluded me from partaking. I contacted the team directly and got involved, Age 15. And I have been playing ever since! I am now an experienced player of 10 years. The sport brings social, excersise and work oppertunitys to me every year.

Wheelchair basketball changed my life and so I now spend my spare time, running wheelchair basketball clubs, coaching players and providing the very experience I enjoyed to new members in the community of Hull! As an ambassador I look forward to helping highlight the sport and support Active humber who have been a big supporter of the work I am doing in Hull.

Sarah Gill

My son, who has autism, struggled to learn swimming because lessons weren’t tailored to his needs. Now, he’s not only part of the swim school but also an S14 Paralympic swimmer. This inspired me to create a swimming school in North Lincolnshire focused on inclusion for people with special educational needs. As someone with a physical disability myself, I adapt strokes for others with similar challenges.

I’ve also developed aqua fitness sessions for adults and work with Scunthorpe Hospital to help people with long-term physical conditions regain their strength and flexibility. Additionally, I run an aqua stretch and relax class for those with mental health issues, chronic pain, or other needs, blending stretching and guided meditation in water. Swimming and exercising in water have endless benefits.

Chris Cook

As a chartered physiotherapist, I’ve seen how being active improves lives, even for those with long-term health issues.

When I’m not working with families in East and West Marsh in North East Lincolnshire or spending time with my partner and two boys, you’ll find me at parkrun or lifting weights. Exercise clears my mind and helps me be a better dad and wellbeing specialist.

David Barker

I’m a retired PE teacher and the father of a son with learning disabilities. Over the years, I’ve worked in learning disability services, supported family carers, and served in local and national roles advocating for those with disabilities.

Jessica

At just 9 years old, Jess is passionate about helping others feel welcome and supported as they become active.

Jess has Cerebral Palsy and uses splints, physiotherapy, and has surgeries to maintain her mobility. But that doesn’t stop her from thriving in sports like football, gymnastics, boxercise, and swimming.

As an ambassador, Jess wants to connect with others, especially children with disabilities or special educational needs, to share her love for physical activity and inspire them to get moving.

Marc Ireland

I run Grimsby Force Fit sessions at People’s Park and love helping others reach their fitness goals. As a former member of the armed forces, I’ve done many events and I used to run half marathons. I’m currently training to run Boxercise sessions for families to get fit and spend quality time with each other

Franklin Onukwugha

Physical activity boosts both mental and physical health. I stay active by cycling, gardening, and playing football, even though it’s sometimes hard to find the time. Everyone should be encouraged to be active because the benefits are endless.

Kyle Tofton

I’ve struggled with mental health for most of my life and am managing ADHD, bipolar disorder, and borderline schizophrenia which I am currently on medication for.

In October 2022, I decided to start going to the gym, and now I work out 4 days a week. It hasn’t cured my mental health, but it has helped a lot. Being active is hard work, but it’s worth it.

I’ve been thinking about pursuing a career in physical activity, working with others who struggle with mental health, and helping them find activities like gym workouts, circuits, or badminton to improve their wellbeing.

Bea Wood

I have Tourette’s, autism, ADHD, and FND, and I use a wheelchair because of leg paralysis. Despite my challenges, I’m incredibly active. I do adaptive mountain biking, compete in Tough Mudder obstacle races, and have become a Tough Mudder brand ambassador.

I want to inspire LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, and disabled people to see the benefits of sports. For me, sports relieve my tics and give me a mental release. I want to show others how achievable and rewarding adaptive sports can be.

Sophie Bartup

I founded Barton Inclusive Football Club (BIFC) in 2019 to bring disability football to North Lincolnshire. We started with just two teams, and now, in 2024, we have 16 teams across the Humber region.

Volunteering has shaped my life. I’m proud of the positive impact we’ve had on so many players and their families, giving them a chance to live out their football dreams.

Henry and Herbie

Henry and Herbie joined Little Victories Cerebral Palsy Football to play a sport that was adaptive to their needs. They love being part of the team and want to promote inclusive football so that more children with disabilities can join, make friends, and enjoy the sport.

Adam Loubani

I stay active by swimming, playing football, attending multisport sessions, and walking at least 10,000 steps a day. It took me time to find sports that worked for me as I have autism so it takes time for me to learn new things, but Special Olympics changed my life. I’ve been part of it for 12 years and feel supported and included. Sports have given me confidence and a sense of belonging.

Joanne Lambon

As someone with a disability and being overweight, staying active hasn’t always been easy. But now I swim, play walking football, and help coach children’s football.

Physical activity has connected me with others and helped me enjoy taking part no matter the weather. My advice: just give it a try and see how it makes you feel.

Kenneth Reader

I battled an alcohol addiction for many years, which led to depression. hallucinations and paranoia. Before this I had a very sporty life. I’ve been clean for over four years now and have got back into angling angling. I even earned a coaching qualification to help others enjoy the sport.

Laura Gulley

I joined Beverley Fitmums 10 years ago, and it’s been life-changing. Running gave me headspace and introduced me to a supportive community. I’ve since become a run leader and trained to guide visually impaired people. Being active has had huge physical and emotional benefits, and volunteering has made me healthier and happier.

Kai Gill

I was born with a life limiting muscle-wasting condition that affects my hips, legs, shoulders, arms and lungs. This means I can no longer walk or move my arms. I have been playing powerchair football for 11 years. As the captain of Hull & East Yorkshire PFC, I compete nationally and regionally. Sports are a huge part of my life, and I hope to inspire others to stay active despite challenges.

Angela Knight

I stay active with running, gym classes, and weight training. In the past, I struggled with postnatal depression and health anxiety, but being active and connecting with others helped me recover. Now, I want to help others feel as good as I do by taking small steps toward activity.

Jaime Greaves

I am a personal trainer and a life coach. I run seated exercise classes for stroke survivors, and I’ve seen how much they can achieve with determination and support. I’m passionate about helping others realize their potential and stay active.

Asha Walker

I co-founded Move Humber to help people overcome barriers to physical activity, including age, disability, and economic challenges. We work with local groups and hospitals to provide safe spaces where people can improve their fitness and wellbeing.

Katie Mackenzie-Hastings

Last year, I joined a program that helped boost my confidence and motivation to engage with my GCSEs. It encouraged me to try a public gym, and I felt proud to be chosen as an ambassador for Active Humber. Now, I hope to inspire my peers to get active too.