For FIT FYLDE participant Arron Withers, joining the programme has helped him with his fitness goals as he gets set to take part in a cycling fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Arron has been attending the Foundation’s weekly sessions at Mill Farm since August in preparation for his fundraiser, which will see him cycle 100 miles throughout the month.

FIT Fylde is open to adults aged over 18, with the FREE 12-week programme helping participants make healthier lifestyle choices through nutritional support and physical exercise, partnered with the EFL Trust, National League Trust, Public Health England, Fylde Borough Council and Lancashire County Council.

Arron says the sessions at the home of AFC Fylde are getting him fitter, having first been introduced by his friend and fellow FIT FYLDE participant Darren Danson.

Arron said: “I saw that my friend Darren had joined, and he inspired me. I’ve always been into fitness and wanted to take it to the next level, so it is great to do it at my local club.

“I’ve aimed to get fitter and change my mindset. Mental health has been a bit of an issue that I’ve struggled with, and as you get older, it’s harder to get fit and lose weight – I’ve been able to meet some great people, and we all get on well.

“The people who I’ve met, being an ex-soldier myself, there’s a few of us in the group, we share the experiences, and likewise, it’s been great to meet new people and inspire each other during our training sessions, we really help and encourage each other. We’re all here for the same reason.”

Throughout this month, Arron has been embarking on his Macmillan cycle fundraiser and was recently a part of 46 riders who cycled from Manchester to Blackpool, which raised £5,000 for Counselling in the Community and Doherty Destiny.

He continued: “Macmillan Cancer Support is something very close to my heart. In the last couple of years, I’ve had people close to me who have had cancer and have come through it, and last week, I found out another family member has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, so with the people close to me who have suffered with cancer, I want to raise as much money as possible for that great charity.

“Being part of Macmillan, you cycle 100 miles throughout October. Some people have joined in with me, and we encourage each other and share our experiences.”

George Kneen-Cookson, Health and Wellbeing Officer at AFC Fylde Community Foundation, added: “It’s great to see Arron’s progression throughout our FIT FYLDE programme, which has helped him during his Macmillan cycling fundraiser.

“We all wish him the best of luck for the rest of his cycle challenge.”

To donate to Arron’s JustGiving page, please visit: Arron Withers is fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support (justgiving.com)