Active Change Award Finalists
Proudly sponsored by Lincolnshire Community Foundation
The Active Change Award celebrates an individual in Lincolnshire who has used sport or any form of physical activity to positively transform their life and who has shown continued commitment and dedication to personal change and growth.
Our Finalists
Ellie Andrew
Ellie has struggled with her mental health for most of her teens and been in and out of hospital with depression, anxiety and an eating disorder. Six year's ago, after her mental health deteriorated, she tried to end her life which resulted in a spinal cord injury and partial paralysis. Ellie initially tried wheelchair basketball session in the spinal unit, and it planted a seed. Fast forward 5 years and Ellie searched again for a wheelchair basketball club and attended her first NK Jaguars session at One NK, North Hykeham.
Initially attending the club with a member of staff from the mental health unit, where she is an inpatient, she has progressed to going to basketball 2 to 3 times a week unattended. Ellie now makes baskets, has increased her speed considerably and is looking forward to playing fixtures both in the women’s league and mix competition this coming season.Ellie now attends basketball independently and comments that it is her 'happy place', and the team now feels like a family to her. Taking part in NK Jaguars has helped build up her confidence and given her motivation to recover.
Leah Downes
Leah, who has Spina bifida attended her first Wheelchair Basketball session with Jaguars Wheelchair Basketball Club in July 2023. From an initial reluctance to attend - she turned up to the first session in a dress determined not to take part - Leah has developed a passion for the sport and it has truly transformed her life.
Before starting basketball, Leah struggled to catch or throw, and moved little during the day. By attending the two hour wheelchair basketball session weekly, Leah (nickname Woody) has developed her strength and coordination and she can now catch and throw well. In July she scored her first basket in a 10ft net with a full-size basketball, a remarkable personal achievement. Attending basketball has also inspired her to be more active in her daily life - now goes out in her chair everyday for a push to build her strength up. Leah will be entering the women’s national league playing for Jaguars this coming season, something that her family thought would never happen.
Tommy Thompsett
Tommy Thompsett has overcome a lot over the last year. Following a cardiac event, he was faced with a loss of strength and endurance but also anxiety and mental health challenges. Tommy was referred to a cardiac rehabilitation programme at One NK leisure centre. At his first appointment he was not in a good place emotionally and physically, struggling to adapt to a new normal. However at each class he kept getting fitter, stronger and more confident, and he eventually progressed to an individual exercise programme in the gym, as well as swimming. The next step was to join the over 50’s sports session, at One NK which involved taking part in badminton, table tennis and other activities in the sessions.
Tommy’s journey back to fitness inspired him to embark on a ‘Row for Life’ challenge to ‘give something back’ by raising money for the Cardiac team. He has raised over £1,500 through the support of his friends, family and his fellow Senior Club members.
