A health professional from a leisure centre based in Cumbria has scooped national wellbeing award.

Danii Vipond Houghton, GLL Health & Communities Manager for Cumbria, based at Kendal Leisure Centre, won the ukactive Physical Activity Hero Award 2024 last night (Ovtober 4)

The prestigious ceremony was held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham. 

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The awards, attended by more than 800 people, recognise excellence and innovation in the UK's health, wellbeing, and fitness sectors.

Danii, who was up against seven other health professionals in the award category, was singled out for her exemplary work and outstanding results in improving health outcomes for local people through sport and physical activity.

Working closely with the GLL Westmorland and Furness team, Danii has played an instrumental role in successfully increasing the number of people accessing the Healthwise programme from 26 – 630 within two years.

She has also helped to attract more than 5,000 new people into exercise and raised over £150,000 to support the sustainability of leisure services.

Danii also enjoys walking, swimming and also camping in the Lake District (Image: Jo Leatham PR) Danii said: “Winning such a prestigious national award and having my work celebrated is a huge honour for me – I’m still reeling from the excitement of the evening. Coming together with so many incredibly dedicated health professionals from across the UK to acknowledge the fantastic strides we are making collectively to support people to live longer, and healthier lives was so inspiring. 

"I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved in Cumbria, in conjunction with our partners, and I am thrilled that our work has been recognised by the local community.

"I’m looking forward to supporting even more people to embrace exercise, get more active and lead happier and healthier lives."Following the co-location of the NHS MSK department to Kendal Leisure Centre in 2022, Danii set up the Healthwise Physical Activity pathway for those living with a variety of health conditions including those related to pain, reduced activity levels and impaired mobility, referred by the NHS for 'exercise on prescription'. 

She works in partnership with Age UK, the Local Authority, North and South Cumbria NHS Health Trusts and others, to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for local communities.

Danii also works locally to inspire those who think exercise is 'not for them' and is responsible for many elderly swimmers successfully getting back in the pool - improving their mobility and mood.

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NHS in Cumbria reports a £150k saving on hospital admissions and GLL reports £3.4m generated in social value as a direct result of its interventions in the region.

Graduating with a degree in Sport, Physical Activity and Health from Leeds Beckett University, Danii first worked with Leeds City Council and Lancaster City Council delivering physical activity schemes.

Starting with GLL as a Healthwise Facilitator in 2021, Danii has progressed to Health & Communities Manager and is enthusiastic about the challenge and benefits of getting more people more active.

Outside of work, Danii enjoys staying healthy by walking, swimming and also camping in the beautiful Lake District and volunteers for an animal charity.