Eckington Active Archives

North East Derbyshire Steps up for Macmillan on National Fitness Day

Leisure centres across North East Derbyshire including Clay Cross Active, Dronfield Active, Eckington Active and Killamarsh Active came together to support National Fitness Day and to help raise funds for the Chairs charity Macmillan Cancer Research.

The day kicked off with the Climb Everest Stairmaster Challenge, where members, staff members and councillors all participated from each centre took on the virtual ascent of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest which stands at 8,848.86 metres.

Together, the centres climbed an incredible 32,000 metres – or the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest 3.7 times!

Congratulations to Dronfield Active who collectively climbed the highest and surpassed the summit of Everest by a whopping 295 metres.

This was followed by the Big Workout, Cardio Blast, Conditioning Strength, Combat Fitness and Cycle Power – seeing hundreds of members workout and sweat towards a worthy cause.

Fundraising continued throughout the day, which is all being donated to Macmillan Cancer Research through the Chair’s Charity Fund, Chairman of the Council Councillor Hartshorne who said;

‘I’ve really enjoyed my part in the Stairmaster challenge helping not only support National Fitness day, but to help raise money towards Macmillan Cancer Research. Thank you to all of our amazing staff and members for donating and taking part, your support is much appreciated.”

For those that have participated but were unable to give on the day, or those who just want to support a great cause, you can visit the just giving webpage. Any donation you can afford would be greatly appreciated.

You can find out more about our leisure service by visiting https://www.justdomore.co.uk.

Cllr Hartshorne with staff

Cllr Hartshorne with Just Do More members of staff by the stairmaster at Killamarsh Active.

Staff at Dronfield Active

Staff and members celebrate Stairmaster challenge at Dronfield Active.

Just do more members after the Big Workout on National Fitness Day in Dronfield Active.

Just do more members after the Big Workout on National Fitness Day in Dronfield Active.

Just do more members after the Big Workout on National Fitness Day at Clay Cross Active.

Just do more members after the Big Workout on National Fitness Day at Clay Cross Active.

More smiles as staff and members take part in the Stairmaster challenge.

More smiles as staff and members take part in the Stairmaster challenge.

Cllr Hartshorne and staff at Clay Cross Active following a successful Stairmaster challenge.

Cllr Hartshorne and staff at Clay Cross Active following a successful Stairmaster challenge.

Cllr Nigel Barker doing his bit for National Fitness Day.

Cllr Nigel Barker doing his bit for National Fitness Day.

Workout session in support of National Fitness Day.

Workout session in support of National Fitness Day.

National Fitness Day comes to NE Derbyshire

It’s time to step into your shorts, pull on a t-shirt and lace up those trainers, in preparation for National Fitness Day!

To mark the event, the UK’s biggest celebration of health and fitness, North East Derbyshire District Council’s four leisure centres will be holding a packed day of activities on 24 September with all money raised going to NEDDC’s Chair’s Charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

Cllr Lee Hartshorne, Chair of North East Derbyshire District Council, said: “Macmillan Nurses provide critical care, comfort and support to those facing cancer, helping not only patients but also their families through immensely challenging times.

“I am committed to raising as much as possible to support their invaluable work and I will be incredibly grateful for any support you can give on National Fitness Day.”

Each site – Clay Cross Active, Dronfield Active, Eckington Active and Killamarsh Active will be running a StairMaster Challenge – Powered by Macmillan from 7am-5pm.

Using the StairMaster, which mimics the action of climbing stairs, each centre will battle it out (virtually!) to see who can climb the furthest up Mount Everest – a height of 8,849m.

Then, in the evening, we have the Big Circuit Workout – Powered by Macmillan at Dronfield (6pm-7:20pm), Clay Cross (6pm-7pm) and Killamarsh (6:30pm-7:30pm).

These sessions will include cardio, functional, core and strength-based movements for a full body workout!

At Eckington Active, back-to-back fitness classes will also be taking place, consisting of 20-minute sessions each with a five-minute break in-between:

Cardio – 5.30pm – 5.50pm
Conditioning – 5.55pm – 6.15pm
Combat – 6.20pm – 6.40pm
Cycle – 6.45pm – 7.05pm

Four workouts, one cause! Are you up for the challenge?

Cllr Kathy Rouse, NEDDC’s Portfolio holder for Leisure, said: “This is a great opportunity to either continue with, or start your fitness journey, and help raise money for a worthy cause at the same time.”

Members can now book on at the reception of each leisure centre from today for any of the challenges. They will also be available on the JDM app shortly, so keep a look out!

If you would like to donate to the cause, please visit Cllr Hartshorne’s JustGiving page.

‘Just do More’ on our new leisure app!

North East Derbyshire District Council is excited to announce the launch of the brand-new ‘Just Do More Leisure’ app, now available for free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

This user-friendly app allows residents and members to book fitness and swimming classes, manage memberships, and stay up to date with the latest activities happening at our leisure centres – all from the convenience of their mobile devices.

The app supports all four of the district’s leisure centres: Clay Cross Active (opening 18th June), Dronfield Active, Eckington Active, and Killamarsh Active. With any of our flex memberships, users can access all four facilities and enjoy a wide range of health and wellbeing services – making it the one stop shop for all of your leisure needs!

North East Derbyshire District Council Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Cllr Kathy Rouse said: “The new app will be a great addition to the already quality services we provide, making it even easier for you to book your classes or view our swimming timetables via the new app. It has lots of features and launches in perfect timing with the opening of our new Clay Cross Active centre just around the corner.

Whether you’re booking a swim, joining a class, or managing your membership, it’s all just a tap away.”

The app is part of the Council’s wider initiative to promote active lifestyles and improve digital access to public services. ‘Just Do More’ and download the app today and start your journey to a healthier, more active you. You can join as a member today from as little as £26 per month.

Download now:

For more information, visit www.justdomore.co.uk

Determined amputee defies the odds

A determined amputee who was told she would never walk again is defying the odds, thanks in part to the help she’s received from our in-water, instructor-led Water Wellbeing programme at Eckington Active.

Tina (72) from Killamarsh has Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia – a rare cancer which cannot be cured, affecting the bone marrow and white blood cells.

She has suffered with the condition for 12 years, but last year was also given the devastating news that the artery in her left leg had failed and the limb would need amputating.

Tina, said: “I was driving one day and the next day I was in hospital. The artery just stopped working.

“I was numb at first when I got the news, but it was kind of you have your leg off or lose your life.

“I was in hospital for a week after having the leg removed.

“The surgeon said I’d never walk again, but I started walking only four months later.”

To help build up the muscles needed to hold the weight of a prosthetic leg, in March 2024 Tina was one of the first to attend our Water Wellbeing classes.

Adult and separate child sessions, which take place every Wednesday in the pool at Eckington Active, are aimed at those with injuries, impairments, long-term health conditions or anyone who just struggles to exercise on land, and the good news is you do not need to be a swimmer to take part in the adult sessions.

The class is carried out in the shallow end of the pool and consists of gentle everyday movements using the water as resistance. There is also the option to enjoy a ten-minute swim at the end, or for those less confident, to work with our instructors who will introduce you to some basic confidence skills.

Thanks to the support Tina received from the wellbeing team, in just over eight months she was able to develop the core strength and balance needed to walk correctly and was given a new high-tech bionic leg which will help her walk more normally.

She’s now able to do all the things she did before, such as driving and shopping trips to Meadowhall.

Tina has praised staff, saying they: “literally got me on my feet after having my left leg amputated above the knee.

“On the evaluation examination, the prosthetic team told me they hadn’t seen such progress in muscular development and balance in such a short time in years.

“This could not have been possible in such a short time, without the dedication, patience and kindness of Ann and her team at Eckington.

“I’m certain that there are many more people like me who would greatly benefit from the expertise as I have.”

Ann Lindley, a Swimming Instructor specialising in Aquaphobics and Disability Swimming as well as being an advocate for ‘Scuba Diving for all’ established the sessions after seeing how beneficial the water was for her own mum who suffers with a condition called Cerebellum Ataxia which affects her balance, co-ordination and speech.

Ann said: “There are very few conditions that stop someone from gaining health benefits by being in water and it doesn’t matter what the body shape is, what’s missing, what isn’t, the water is a great leveller.”

Tina’s sister Margaret, who joins in with the sessions too, said: “Everyone accepts everyone for who they are. There’s no discrimination.”

Ann along with co-worker Rebecca, who is also a swim teacher, is in the pool during these sessions. We offer practical support, encouragement and promote a feeling of social belonging with lots of chatter.

Tina says she was turned down by some centres because of her disability, before finding Eckington Active could cater for her needs.

Eckington Active has Swim England’s Water Wellbeing Accreditation, putting it in an elite group of facilities which are championed for their accessibility and inclusivity.

The centre has a range of equipment to help people with disabilities, including hoists and disabled changing.

No membership or referral is needed to join the Water Wellbeing sessions, but we will need you to fill in a medical form.

Visit our website www.justdomore.co.uk for more information about Water Wellbeing and all our facilities or give Eckington Active a call on 01246 217481.

Did you know? you can also sign up for leisure updates straight to your inbox!

New Sustainability Policy for our Leisure Centres

Here at our leisure centres we are here to help you just do more to hit your goals, feel stronger, happier and healthier.

Because we love to see you thrive, we have a lot on offer – flexible memberships to suit you, friendly supportive staff, and a huge variety of classes.

Following the North East Derbyshire Council’s commitment towards greener and better District, we recognised that we too can do more for the environment, community and for the future.

So today we would like to present you our Sustainability Policy for leisure centres, laying out our approach to eco-friendly practises, so you can feel relaxed that your goals are being achieved with little help from us without compromising the future of our planet.

Download our Sustainability policy here.

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