As a fit young man of just 27, in 2014 Ben Dawson was diagnosed with leukaemia. Sadly, some of the life-saving treatments he received resulted in a catalogue of other extremely serious medical setbacks. Despite this, Ben has resolutely battled to regain his health and fitness as a member at Welcome Gym Cheltenham. Nominated by his very supportive wife, Emilie, who persuaded Ben to join her at the gym last year, Ben was a worthy winner of our competition to find Welcome Gym Cheltenham’s Member of the Year.

The other winners of the regional heats at the five Welcome Gym clubs in our chain all had uplifting and often moving stories about their fitness journeys. All these winners’ details went forward for anonymous consideration by all Club Managers to choose an overall winner for the whole group.

We are delighted to announce that, after due deliberation, Ben Dawson was chosen to receive the accolade of Welcome Gym Member of the Year 2018.

As well as a free Annual gym membership, Ben has received the prize of holiday vouchers to the value of £600 and Nike sports clothing vouchers worth £150. He plans to take his family for a vacation in Spain for a bit of well-deserved rest and relaxation, and everyone at Welcome Gym Cheltenham looks forward to seeing him in some smart new training gear on his return.

The Club Manager, Cheryl Parker, who is pictured below with Ben, is thrilled that Ben has been chosen as overall winner of the contest. She says, “Ben couldn’t be happier to have won the title of Welcome Gym’s Member of the Year 2018. He was truly shocked to be picked, but it’s no surprise to me. The health problems he has suffered over the past few years must have been so hard to cope with. His sheer determination to overcome them and to regain his strength by working out regularly at the gym and cycling, as well as holding down a job and undergoing regular medical treatment, is quite incredible. All the fitness team and members at Welcome Gym Cheltenham are immensely proud that this special man has been chosen to win this special title.”

This year's competition to find the Welcome Gym Of The Year 2018 attracted a record 120 nominations across our 5 gyms, which just goes to show how many of our members have an impressive fitness story to tell. Look out for next year’s competition to find the Welcome Gym group Member of the Year – after all, it could be you!