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Khadra, known to friends and family as Kat was was significantly overweight and suffering from chronic back pain. Then came a severe flare-up of sciatica that changed everything.

The pain was so intense, Kat often couldn’t get out of bed, walk, or carry out basic daily tasks. Her physical suffering began to take a toll on her mental health, leaving her feeling trapped and hopeless.

She sought medical help. Doctors prescribed painkillers, scans were done, and a physiotherapist diagnosed muscular imbalances.

He recommended gym-based rehabilitation and shared a few YouTube videos to get her started. Kat followed the advice, and while the exercises helped a little, the pain persisted.

She didn’t want to just manage the symptoms – she wanted to fix the problem. When she was told that surgery might be necessary if her condition worsened, Kat knew something had to change.

“If I don’t change anything, then nothing will change”

Kat realised she needed more than generic advice. She needed someone with deep expertise and compassion. At that point, she was walking with a limp, her shoulders hunched forward, and she was living with chronic pain and occasional flare-ups.

That’s when she found Maria.

Maria’s credentials stood out: a Master’s degree in Sport Science and a specialisation in Pilates. But what truly made the difference was her approach. Gentle, understanding, and deeply knowledgeable. Kat felt seen, heard, and supported.

Training began slowly. Kat could barely move, and just walking into the gym felt like a victory. She didn’t realise she was also battling brain fog and a low mood. But Maria met her where she was, encouraging her with patience and care.

The turning point

Then, one morning, Kat woke up pain-free. She cried.

She stopped taking over-the-counter painkillers. Her limp disappeared. Her posture improved. People began to notice: “You’ve lost weight,” they said. “You look better.” Kat started moving with ease. She set a small goal—to touch her toes—and she did it.

Maria gradually introduced cardio into their Pilates sessions, followed by strength training. Every movement was tailored to Kat’s needs. Maria focused on correcting muscular imbalances, always assessing Kat’s progress and ensuring she trained safely.

“I cannot stress how much this lady has given me my life back”

She was no longer in pain. She was moving better, laughing more, and doing things she never thought possible.

Kat still has moments where motivation is hard to find. But she always remembers how good she feels after training with Maria.

Every session brings laughter, learning, and a renewed sense of strength.

You can be like Kat

Kat’s story is proof that change is possible. With the right support, the right plan, and the right mindset, transformation can happen.

If you’re struggling with pain, low energy, or don’t know where to start – LiveWire can help. Maria helped Kat reclaim her life, and she can help you too.

Ready to feel better, move better, and live better? Discover our expert trainers and take the first step today

Background:
Darren, a resident of Warrington, had struggled with smoking for many years. Despite numerous attempts to quit independently, he found himself repeatedly returning to cigarettes, feeling frustrated and resigned to the ongoing cycle of addiction.

Challenge:
Darren recognised the health risks and financial burden of smoking but needed additional support and motivation to finally break free from his habit. His goal was to become smoke-free and improve his overall well-being.

The turning point:
Darren reached out to the Stop Smoking Warrington team, speaking initially with Jen, a dedicated advisor committed to helping clients succeed. From the very first phone call, Jen provided encouragement, guidance, and a structured plan to support Darren’s journey to quit smoking.

Support and progress:
Throughout his quit attempt, Jen maintained consistent contact, offering reassurance, ordering prescriptions, and pushing Darren to stay on track. Darren describes Jen’s support as “like a second wife in his ear,” constantly motivating him during difficult stages of his journey. This persistent encouragement was instrumental in helping him stay committed, especially when faced with challenges.

Results:
Thanks to the unwavering support from Jen and the stop smoking team, Darren successfully quit smoking and has been smoke-free ever since. He reports feeling “miles healthier” and notes a significant improvement in his quality of life. Additionally, Darren has saved money—so much so that he was able to purchase a new motorbike, turning his savings into a rewarding new hobby.

Reflections:
Darren emphasizes that if he can do it, anyone can. He encourages others who have struggled to take that first step and seek support from the Stop Smoking Warrington team. His message is clear: with the right help and determination, quitting smoking is achievable.

Conclusion:
Darren’s story is a testament to the effectiveness of personalized support and persistence. Thanks to the dedicated team at Stop Smoking Warrington, he has embraced a healthier, smoke-free lifestyle, reaping the physical, financial, and personal rewards of his decision.

Quote from Darren:
“If I can do it, then anybody can do it. Make that first step and get the fantastic support from Stop Smoking like I did. Thank you, Jen, for everything you did to help me get to my smoke-free lifestyle.”

Ste Hughes, an Army veteran who sustained a serious injury during an assault course, resulting in a lifelong disability. Recognising his exceptional potential, Ste was supported by LiveWire’s Talented Athlete Programme, which helped nurture his athletic talents and build his confidence. Despite his setback, Ste demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination, embarking on a remarkable athletic journey that has redefined what is possible for para athletes.

Athletic pursuits & achievements:

• Start in adaptive sports: Ste began adaptive skiing seven and a half years ago, competing in para nordic (cross-country) sit skiing. His dedication and talent quickly propelled him into the spotlight.
• Trailblazing firsts and records:
  • First to complete a European ski series in Finland: Covered approximately 55 km (around 33 miles) in just 6.5 hours, only 7 days after starting the sport.
  • Long-distance challenges:
    • Non-stop 120 miles from Bridlington to Manchester in 25 hours.
    • 100 km ultra marathon in snowy blizzard conditions, completed in 16.5 hours.
    • 100 miles GB ultra marathon in 19 hours.
    • 50-mile GB ultra marathon, finishing in 6 hours 25 minutes to place 2nd overall.
  • Road and snow Racing:
    • Won the Blackpool Marathon in 2 hours 44 minutes.
    • Set and verified a marathon world record at London 2023 with a time of 3:11.
    • Currently awaiting verification for a new personal best of 2:48 at the Manchester Marathon.
  • European para skiing success:
    • Secured a bronze medal in the 1km sprint at Paraski4europe 2020.
• Endurance and exploration feats:
  • Lands’ End to John O’Groats: Set records completing the journey in 14 days (Land’s End to John O’Groats) and 10 days (John O’Groats to Land’s End).
  • Most miles pushed by a para athlete in 24 hours: Achieved an unverified 133 miles in Orford Park in 2022.
• Milestones and personal goals:
  • Marathon milestones: Has completed over 759 marathons to date, with a goal of reaching 1,000 by April.
  • Ultras and other races: Hundreds of ultras, half marathons, 10Ks, 20-milers, and snow marathons demonstrate his extensive endurance portfolio.

Impact & philanthropy:

• Fundraising success: Ste has raised approximately £85,000 for various charities, with a target of reaching £100,000.
• Inspiration and advocacy: His journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and the power of sport to transform lives.

Ste Hughes is an extraordinary athlete whose accomplishments have broken barriers and set new standards in the para sport community. His story is one of relentless perseverance, inspiring others to overcome adversity and pursue their passions with determination.

Ste continues to push boundaries and remain a source of inspiration for others.

Michael first engaged with the SmokeFree Warrington Service at a drop-in clinic held at the Living Well Hub in Warrington town centre on 10th June 2024. Motivated by health concerns and a strong desire to make positive changes, Michael sought support to quit smoking and improve his overall well-being.

Initial Assessment:
During his initial appointment, Michael’s CO reading was recorded at 28 parts per million (ppm), indicating a significant level of smoking. We explained what this reading signified and emphasised the importance of reducing it as part of his journey to quitting. Inspired to make a change, Michael was booked into a follow-up clinic the following Monday.

Support and Treatment Options:
At his second appointment, after discussing various options, Michael chose to try vaping as a cessation aid, supported by the recent inclusion of this method through the national ‘Swap to Stop’ Scheme. This decision marked the beginning of his dedicated efforts to quit smoking.

Progress and Results:
Michael attended weekly clinics at the Living Well Hub, and after just one week, his CO reading dropped dramatically from 28 to 2 ppm. This significant reduction confirmed his progress and motivated him further. Over the following weeks, with continued support, Michael successfully maintained his smoke-free status, achieving a 4-week quit on 9th July 2024.

Long-term Success:
A year later, on 4th July 2025, our team followed up with Michael to check his ongoing smoking status. He confirmed he was still smoke-free, celebrating 12 months without cigarettes.

A Holistic Approach:
Michael’s experience at the Living Well Hub extended beyond smoking cessation. He highlighted the comprehensive support available, including:

• Talking Points sessions for mental health and well-being
• Nutritional, dietary, and fitness advice from LiveWire
• Access to services like Directions for Men for mental health support
• CGL Pathways for substance misuse support
• Benefits advice from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Michael’s Words:

“I first started using the Living Well Hub in Warrington to try the smoking cessation service, and in doing so, I also found out that it catered for a lot more of my needs from the ‘Talking Points’ sessions, nutritional/dietary and fitness advice from LiveWire. It’s also a place I could access help from other drop-in services like ‘Directions for Men’ for my mental health, CGL Pathways, and benefits advice given by DWP. Essentially, everything all under one roof. The staff are all amazing and helpful and always address any needs with a smile. This place became a safety net of sorts, and I appreciate the help it has given me so far.”

“My time with smoking cessation was great and supportive. It was well structured with appointments that helped me with ongoing support and kept me focused and motivated throughout. Jen was excellent and was always there to talk me through any difficulties I had.”

Ready to quit smoking or seeking support? Visit the Living Well Hub or self-refer to our stop smoking service today and take the first step towards a healthier you.

Introduction

Ben Jackson, a committed member of the LiveWire fitness community and an avid sports enthusiast, recently achieved a significant milestone in his athletic journey by completing the challenging Ironman Bolton 70.3. His story exemplifies dedication, resilience, and the transformative power of consistent training combined with unwavering passion.

Background and Early Motivation

Ben’s relationship with fitness began long before his recent triathlon successes. Although he never considered himself a natural athlete, he was always active and engaged in various sports. His fitness journey gained momentum in 2013 when he started running to stay in shape, participating in multiple 10k races and culminating in his first half marathon in 2016 after joining Warrington Road Runners.

Despite a pause in competitive running, Ben remained committed to maintaining his fitness through gym workouts at LiveWire in Culcheth High School, valuing the facility’s quality and affordability. His lifelong admiration for triathlon inspired him to rekindle his swimming in 2022 at Orford Jubilee Hub, where he dedicated himself to improving technique and endurance.

Progression and Training

Ben’s renewed focus on swimming led him to join the Triathlon Swim Squad, enabling him to train more systematically and build confidence in all three disciplines. In 2023, he successfully completed three sprint triathlons, setting the stage for future endurance challenges. His training was supported and guided by coach Bryan Riley, whose expertise helped him navigate setbacks such as injuries.

In 2024, Ben planned to tackle a Half Ironman, demonstrating his commitment to progressively increasing his endurance and skill level. His relentless pursuit of personal bests and growth culminated in 2025, a landmark year marked by his first marathon at London, participation in the Southport Olympic triathlon, and notably, completing the Ironman Bolton 70.3.

Ironman Bolton 70.3: A Testament to Dedication

The Ironman Bolton 70.3 event tested Ben’s physical and mental limits across three disciplines:

• Swim: A 1.2-mile swim in the serene Roka swim course at Pennington Flash Country Park, where Ben demonstrated focus and determination.
• Bike: A 56-mile loop through the picturesque villages of Lowton, Abram, and Bickershaw before heading north towards Bolton, pushing his stamina to the limit.
• Run: A demanding 13.1-mile HOKA run around Bolton Town Centre, which showcased his perseverance and mental toughness.

Ben completed the race in an impressive time of 6 hours and 7 minutes, embodying the spirit of a true fitness warrior and inspiring fellow LiveWire members to pursue their own goals with relentless dedication.

Future Goals and Aspirations

After a well-deserved rest, Ben is already setting his sights on new challenges, including a PB at the Manchester Half in 2025 and a full Ironman in 2026. His journey underscores that success in endurance sports isn’t solely about podium finishes but about personal growth, goal setting, and the pursuit of dreams.

Conclusion

Ben Jackson’s story is a powerful example of how perseverance, structured training, and passion can turn modest beginnings into extraordinary achievements. His journey from casual sports participant to Ironman finisher highlights the transformative potential of consistent effort and the importance of community support, such as that provided by LiveWire and dedicated coaching. Ben’s experience continues to motivate others to push beyond their perceived limits and chase their own athletic aspirations.

“I came into the library to look at the art books and found one that I particularly liked. It’s great because it’s very difficult for me to go out into the field to draw something so the locality of Penketh Library is vital to me. I found a scene in a book that appealed to me and it gave me inspiration. It helped me to choose the colours for the grasses, fields and the skies.

“I wasn’t too sure how to go about it but the books gave me an idea of where to start. It showed me that I had to draw them out in pencil on watercolour paper first. I started with the horizon and then I worked out where to put the trees and the bridge.”

As a new mum of twins the libraries in Warrington have been a lifeline for me – giving me somewhere welcoming to take the babies – it gets us out of the house and helps me to meet other mums.

We love reading to them and they already seem to be listening to our voices and looking at the pictures.

Just wanted to say a big thank you – As the weather worsens and Mum has to spend more and more time indoors it starts to drive her ‘dolally’ (her word) because she needs things to keep her busy. This happens every year, but this will be so much worse and was a real concern to us both. Having a safely-procured supply of decent reading material (and another person to connect with) is a massive help. I’m so very grateful for all your time and thoughtfulness.

Mum’s quite used to being asked to show off her garden! You taking the time to do something like that is such a great way to build a connection and dispel any awkwardness, I’m sure. That’s where your approach really shines through….

Reading Friends is a lifeline and something to look forward to, after what could be a long isolated week. It is a breath of fresh air and a reason to look forward to coming and socialising. The library itself offers a wonder of reading opportunities to lift the spirits.

Reading Friends is an essential part of my life. I am totally dependent on meeting people here and though I am not absolutely housebound, I rely on this group for support. The library staff who run this group are excellent in allowing time if someone has a problem – they give time occasionally for “chat”. The library itself is always very welcoming – a relaxing place.

I started with walking rugby and now also volunteer for sports and social sessions. I enjoy planning and leading warm-ups. I stay active by going to the gym at Orford three times a week and love the box fit classes.”

“I’m a rugby league fan and enjoy trying new activities. The social aspect is important to me and I love being part of the welcoming community at Orford where I’ve made friends through these projects.

I’m a regular at walking rugby and sports social project. Love rugby and trying new activities like tennis, golf, netball, badminton, and table tennis. Meeting new people, having a laugh and keeping my competitive edge!

My two children and I use all the available facilities including the pool, gym and family community groups. I also volunteer with adult bingo. The hub provides our family with a fun, local and safe place. All members of the team are friendly and welcoming.

I am so pleased with the progress I have made since using the gym at the Hub. Previously, I had to rely on my grandson to carry my shopping bags from the car into the house. However, after incorporating the gym into my routine, I am proud to say that I can now carry two bags of shopping on my own.

Our granddaughter, Evie, has Dravet syndrome which is a severe form of epilepsy it also come with autism and limited mobility and learning difficulties. We can see how much Evie gets from the swimming sessions as when she is in the water you wouldn’t know she has mobility issues.”

“Evie gets so much from these pool sessions, and we would as family like to thank all the staff at the hub for their help with Evie especially when she has seizures in the pool.

I thoroughly enjoyed Go-Tri. It’s so well organised but was made so much better by having the support from the LiveWire team. Even after the event receiving feedback from the team to encourage everyone and offer advice was amazing. It has definitely encouraged me to understand what I can work on but to also look forward to taking part again.

I am still pinching myself that after a big dip in my swim confidence that I completed the whole event. Feeling really so happy.

The atmosphere is relaxed, and I never feel intimidated. At the beginning, I could only perform exercises at the edge of the pool but, with time, I’ve made significant progress and can now swim again, which is fantastic for me.

The staff at the hydrotherapy pool are extremely knowledgeable, supportive, and caring. They’ve been instrumental in my recovery journey. In addition, I’ve made some great friends while attending Aqua Relax sessions.

We’ve loved working with Orford Hub for our swimming sessions. Our children have made so much progress and grown in confidence over the weeks. The staff are so helpful and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure every child feels safe, comfortable and able to achieve.

The swimming team at Orford explain things in a way that allows all children to understand, giving clear instructions. Some children were frightened to enter the water on week one and by the end of week ten they didn’t want to leave the pool. We cannot wait to continue working with the team.