Madeleine is a Northampton Sport Health Champion

One of our inspiring young people was named a Health Champion for Northamptonshire this week, to coincide with International Asperger’s Day.

Madeleine, 17, has been a regular at our activities ever since we launched in 2020, initially joining our Inclusive and Adventure clubs before making the most of our lockdown projects by joining our Summer Programme or taking part in yoga and calisthenics sessions.

She told Northamptonshire Sport, who named her one of their Health Champions: “I find it hard doing new things but attending the exercise classes via Zoom from the comfort of my bedroom was great.

“I have never done yoga or calisthenics before. Being able to do the classes that Peak Empower put on over lockdown gave me a chance to be more active at home. I thoroughly enjoyed it, have learned lots of new yoga moves and feel much fitter and healthier. I always feel so much happier and positive after a class.

“My parents say I have developed a positive attitude towards fitness. They think it helps me with my anxiety.”

Saffy Tuckfield, Chief Executive of Peak Empower, said: “Having Madeleine on our courses is such a pleasure. She’s so happy and positive and really thrown herself whole-heartedly into the activities she joins.

“We are so proud to see her named a Health Champion for the county. We know it’s not always easy for her, but that makes her achievements all the more impressive. We look forward to seeing her on many more of our courses in the future.”