AS always, the best campaign ideas have happened while up in the gym and this was no different. My coach Michael (Black) and I were talking recently about what direction I should take the campaign in.
We were looking back at the past year and everything I have been able to do through my training and the monthly challenges that were set for me and it suddenly became clear, why not give this opportunity to somebody else.
Through training alone I have been able to go off all pain medication for the first time in twelve years, I am stronger than I have ever been and most importantly, I have found something that takes my mind off my disability. I have grown as a person and reclaimed the confidence that I thought was gone forever.
The gym is becoming a hub for regular people who want to work on themselves. It is a welcoming place and the intimidation that was once felt by people like me is now a mere memory. Trainers cater for individual needs and it makes all the difference.
Optimal Fitness is an excellent training facility and has seen many influential sporting personalities walk through its doors. Co-owner, Adam Speer put me in touch with Martin Kennedy who runs a similar facility in Dublin.
The National Athlete Development Academy or NADA ,as it is more commonly known, is a 10,000 square foot fitness centre nestled in the town of Clonsilla.
Martin Kennedy is best known for his work with the Dublin Senior Football team. He has had a huge impact on their success due to his way of thinking which makes him the perfect person to partner up with.
Plans are under way to launch a training scheme which will allow one lucky applicant the opportunity to train with NADA free of charge.
A nutrition and exercise plan will be devised for them and they will receive one on one training with an expert on a weekly basis.
The type of applicant I am looking for is someone not unlike myself. An individual who for one reason or another has had their lives altered in some way due to illness or bad luck.
I am looking for someone who really wants to change things for themselves. Monthly challenges will be set as they are with Optimal Fitness and all progress will be reported on Fighting Fit For Ewing’s social media platforms.
Do you want to follow it Nikki’s footsteps?
I will get to know the applicant and together we will decide which challenges suit us both as I too will be doing each one. In between each challenge we will prepare for them in the gym and provide support for each other on areas we are struggling with.
The main objective with this scheme is to give someone the same amazing opportunities as I have had myself. To encourage them to see past their disability or whatever issue they have that is stopping them from reaching their full potential.
I know first-hand how something like this can change your life if you really make the most of every opportunity that comes your way and I am hoping I will find someone out there that has the same aspirations.
This is a very exciting time and I cannot wait to see how it pans out. I most definitely encourage you to stay tuned!
Nikki Bradley is the founder of Fighting Fit For Ewing’s, a campaign to promote awareness of Ewing’s Sarcoma. Nikki is sponsored by All Sports in Donegal Town. Support her campaign by giving ‘Fighting Fit For Ewing’s’ a LIKE on Facebook or follow her on Twitter @nikkibradley59
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