“This has been the best thing I have ever done” – Dan sheds stones to complete charity 10K

A member of staff who shed over 6st with the help of the Trust’s occupational health team has completed his first 10K race in aid of the Trust’s EyUp! charity.

Lead nurse with the Barnsley clozapine team Dan Rowett got in touch with the Trust’s occupational health team after gaining weight during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was introduced to health and wellbeing practitioner Jane Oldroyd, who offered Dan regular health and wellbeing checks and worked with him to set achievable goals.

After joining his local slimming club and increasing his exercise, Dan lost 6st 7lbs and less than 12 months after completing his first 5K Parkrun, entered into the 2022 Leeds Run For All 10K.

Dan chose to run in aid of the Trust’s charity, EyUp!, as it’s a charity close to his heart having been a Trust employee for over 10 years.

On Saturday 3 July, Dan crossed the finish line having raised over £400 for the charity, which supports the work of the Trust by funding little extras for community, mental health, wellbeing and learning disability services.

Dan said: “It is safe to say embracing the Trust’s health and wellbeing offer has been the best thing I have ever done! I now have better physical and mental health, and have more knowledge around motivation and sustainable weight loss which is really important in changing your lifestyle.

Speaking about his race, Dan said: “Never would I thought it possible to complete such an event. I was smiling from start to finish and enjoyed the whole experience running for a great charity. I enjoyed it so much I’ll definitely be back next year trying to beat this year’s time.

“I 100% wouldn’t have been able to do this without the support of the occupational health department.”

You can donate to Dan’s fundraising for EyUp! charity on JustGiving.