On Saturday night, Craig and I were delighted to be able to attend The Lewis Foundation Gala Ball.

Located in the beautiful – and somewhat hard to reach on a dark, winter evening! – surrounds of Fawsley Hall, the Ball is a celebration of the wonderful work the Foundation does, sourcing, packaging and hand delivering free gifts and support packs to adult cancer patients in hospital every week.

It was also a perfect opportunity to raise some much needed money for them – I believe at the last count the event had already helped raise more than £13,000.

We heard the stories of cancer patients, their families and nurses which drove home the importance of what The Lewis Foundation does. It really is a brilliant charity, and I’d urge you all to support it in any way you can.

When I formed Step Forward With Lewis it was with the goal of being more than simply a fitness and running club. I also wanted to give something back. As such, since the business was formed, we have worked to raise money and awareness for local charities through our virtual runs and by partnering with some fantastic organisations such as Project 16:15, The Lewis Foundation and Team Daisy.

This Christmas, we are raising money for The Lewis Foundation Christmas Hamper Appeal 2024. This important appeal will see The Lewis Foundation surprise adult cancer patients in the community with a luxury food and drink hamper. It’s a great scheme so please let me know if you want to donate.

The second strand I wanted to bring to Step Forward With Lewis was that of working with people who needed to boost their fitness and wellbeing for reasons beyond those which may inspire bodybuilders or elite athletes.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with aspiring to be the very best you can be, or indeed the best of the best. But sometimes strength and fitness is also about having fun, overcoming physical adversity or simply turning up every week.

Not everyone wants to, or can, lift heavy weights or run 100-milers. I work with many clients who are battling with everything from the menopause to spinal defects. I’ve had people come to me who thought exercise wasn’t for them or who’d had enough of the gym because everything seemed to be a burpee contest.

That’s not how I run my classes or my personal training sessions, so if you know anyone who might benefit from this approach please do let them know about how Step Forward With Lewis works.