A Sheffield Mum who transformed her life with the help of a fitness specialist at Concord Sports Centre has been shortlisted for an award in recognition of her achievements.

Anita Hackett, 51, from Shiregreen, has been nominated for The Older Person Award in The Active Sheffield Challenge run by Sheffield City Council, with winners revealed tomorrow, Wednesday 9 December.

After originally joining Concord’s GP referral scheme for being obese, Anita has lost three and a half stone and become an ambassador for the centre.

She worked with Dave Birds, one of Sheffield’s best specialists working on the rehabilitation scheme, reducing her weight by two stone in the 12 week GP referral scheme alone.

Since completing the GP referral programme, she has joined the gym membership scheme Fitness Unlimited, as well as showing her family the benefits of working out. Now her daughter Sarah, 27, and partner Mick, are also members of Fitness Unlimited, the gym membership which offers access to three other facilities operated by Sheffield International Venues (SIV) – Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Hillsborough Leisure Centre, and Don Valley Stadium.

Anita said: “It’s been great working with Dave. The facilities and atmosphere at Concord keep me motivated to come back as Dave and the rest of the staff are really friendly. Now they’ve helped me get started on reaching my goal, I want to help others reach theirs.”

Anita has been inspired by Concord so much that she has become a volunteer worker on the Condition Management programme. The national initiative delivered by the NHS for people on incapacity benefit helps them understand their health conditions to become fitter and healthier. It is part of the working initiative for job centre plus.  

She was nominated for the award by Concord’s fitness specialist Dave Birds, for her achievements and commitments through 2009.

Dave said: “Since Anita first walked into the centre, I have seen such a transformation.

“She has worked really hard in order to achieve her goal of losing weight, and has been a pleasure to work with. Now she motivates others around her and is a model example for Concord, showing just what dedication can achieve. Her nomination is thoroughly deserved.”

The Active Sheffield Challenge is part of the Active Sheffield campaign, which is designed to encourage people in Sheffield to increase their physical activity for improved health and well-being.

The awards will be announced at the Town Hall by the Lord Mayor tomorrow, December 9.