Cheshire-based, leisure charity, Everybody Health and Leisure, has announced the appointment of four high-profile patrons, who will campaign on its behalf in order to raise funds and visibility.

The patrons are retired Paralympic athlete, disability campaigner and sitting member of the House of Lord, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. Her appointment underlines the charity’s commitment to building its provision for people with disabilities in the borough.

Consultant psychiatrist and bestselling author of the Chimp Paradox, Professor Steve Peters, who has been a consultant to more than 20 Olympic and national sporting teams and individuals has come on board. Peters has supported Everybody in the past, in its partnership with Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and the To Macclesfield, Love Mia heart-screening project for school leavers. 

Two of the charity’s founding trustees – Philip Bland, who was appointed an MBE for Services to the Water Industry – and Zoe Davidson, who has had a long career working in consultancy at KPMG and now Deloitte, have also become patrons. Together the patrons will shine a light on the impact the charity is having and contributing to fund-raising. 

Thomas Barton, CEO of Everybody Health and Leisure said: “It is with great pride that we announce the appointment of our first charity patrons. All four are leaders in their own fields, who have chosen to lend their considerable influence and huge expertise to help us in our mission to help the people of Cheshire East live well, and for longer. You can expect to see more of our patrons in the coming weeks and months as they start campaigning on our behalf.” 

Grey-Thompson says: “I have been working with Everybody as the host of their annual awards for a number of years now, and every year I am just so impressed by the passion and dedication of the awards winners and the Everybody team when it comes to providing these life changing services, not only for people with disabilities but for everyone in the community. I look forward to continuing my work with the team and being a champion for this charity in the House of Lords and beyond.”

Separately, the charity has recently developed an exercise and nutrition support programme for people taking weight loss medications. Live Well provides structured lifestyle support to help participants build sustainable healthy habits, stay nourished, maintain strength and feel confident on their weight-loss journey.

The 12-week programme involves one-to-one support with tailored exercise and nutrition plans. Access to exercise classes, swimming and gym facilities are offered at three sites. It is open to adults with a BMI of 30 or above who have been prescribed the medications.

Everybody was recently assessed for its Social Value and was found to provide £22.08 worth of community benefits for every £1 it receives in funding.