Samantha Vowls (55), a member at Grimsby’s Health & Wellbeing Centre, is an inspiration for anyone who is facing major setbacks in their life.

In 2017, life was on a downward spiral for Samantha following a workplace accident, causing injury to her lumbar spine. Anxiety and depression followed, along with low self-esteem and poor motivation. Consequently, Samantha gained weight, something she has battled with since childhood.

Samantha sought help from her GP who recommended that she joined Lincs Inspire's Active Forever wellbeing programme.

In 2022 to 2023, through gentle and careful exercise, Samantha lost three stone using the power-assisted exercise machines. However, last year, a blood clot on the brain saw Samantha hospitalised, and progress came to a halt.

Samantha explains, "I had to make some lifestyle changes following the blot clot. I was taking warfarin to thin my blood, meaning that I had alter my food habits and I couldn't eat all

the things that I was losing weight on; I had to cut out everything green. So, my whole diet had to change.”

Once well enough, Samantha re-joined the programme with the backing of local charity - the O'Flynn Foundation - who work in partnership with Lincs Inspire to support eligible members

continue their wellbeing journey.

Samantha's fighting spirit is back. She is now off the warfarin, has signed up for a weight management course, and is back using the power assisted equipment in the centre’s Wellness Hub.

She added: "I would recommend it to anybody out there who has a weight problem. When you're overweight, motivation is at an all-time low, but the people here have been absolutely amazing.

It really is for anyone. If you're in a wheelchair or have a scooter or walking aid, or anything like that, everyone is welcomed. If you have a carer, they can sit with you while you use the equipment. There are all different ages, it's not just for the elderly or the retired. It helps people who have had hip or knee replacements. People who have had a stroke, suffer with MS. Any physical disability but mental, too.

I am determined to lose the weight again. Getting out and chatting to people gives me encouragement and motivation. Socialising is very important. Everyone is here for their own reason and we all respect and support one another."

Samantha is a delightful member who has a great strength of mind.

If you feel the Active Forever can help you or a family member, please visit the Active Forever webpage for information, call on (01472) 323200 or speak to your health professional about a referral.

It really is for anyone. If you're in a wheelchair or have a scooter or walking aid, or anything like that, everyone is welcomed. If you have a carer, they can sit with you while you use the equipment. There are all different ages, it's not just for the elderly or the retired.