Everyone Active employee profile

“I joined my local wheelchair basketball club aged 13, and was scouted to join the GB Under 23 squad when I was 17,” Lee Welch says.

“At the age of just 22 I made my senior GB debut.

“After I retired, I was determined to inspire other people to get fit and give something back to the community. I’d always wanted to work in the health and fitness industry, so completed a Level 3 Exercise and Disability Personal Trainer qualification with YMCAfit. I joined Hartham Leisure Centre in 2014.

“Last year I delivered a free, eight-week-long course of disability and limited mobility exercise classes to help show people what they can achieve.

“As a result of that, I was presented with an InstructAbility award, which recognised the success of the scheme in engaging disabled people in fitness activities.

“Joining Everyone Active has given me so many opportunities, and being a fitness instructor is everything I imagined and more. I focus on helping people with physical and learning difficulties to lead healthier, more active lifestyles. I find it really rewarding giving something back and also helping other people with disabilities to get more active.”