B active winner shows fighting spirit
A registered blind woman who is a keep-fit enthusiast is Bradford Council's latest b active award winner.
The Council's Leisure Services has chosen Linda Hanson for the coveted award in recognition for her remarkable attitude and spirit towards exercise despite losing her eyesight 12 years ago.
Linda, aged 47, goes swimming every week and regularly clocks-up 60 widths during her sessions at Bowling Pool, which is Bradford Council's main facility for people with disability and mobility difficulties.
She enjoys running on a treadmill at home and attending yoga and pilates classes. Linda is also a member of the Alhambra Theatre's visually-impaired access group which advises the staff on how to improve their services for visually impaired customers.
Linda said: "I would urge everyone who has a disability to continue to be as active as possible and not to let it stop them from keeping fit, playing sports and enjoying life.
"I am a strong believer that physical activity has played a massive part in helping me get back on my feet and taking part in a wide-range of activities."
Bradford Council's Strategic Director for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Jane Glaister, said: "Linda has shown great determination to continue to lead an active life and is a great inspiration to everyone.
"Our facilities and staff across the district are working to accommodate people with disabilities and Linda is a great example of someone who has contributed by advising us on how to improve our services and is now getting the best out of the improvements we have made."
The mother-of-two from Low Moor recently took part in a Channel Four documentary(Sight Seeing) where she visited Italy to show the obstacles facing people with disabilities while travelling.
The b active awards are given out by the Council's Leisure Services to local people in recognition of their outstanding achievements that have encouraged others to be more physically active.
People can nominate prospective b active award winners for consideration by contacting b active manager Andrew Burns on 01274 431882.