Our Advisory Board

My role places me at the heart of an organisation that is seeking to use the brand and reach of sport to positively affect the Borough of Doncaster. Inactivity is one of the prominent challenges facing the Borough and we're here to work with people to provide solutions to this, whether that's engaging with young people through schools outreach delivery or bringing people back into exercise through Fit Rovers – we are here to provide an inclusive approach to this agenda.

What do you do to keep active?

Amongst my very average sporting careers in football and squash, I have always enjoyed running and continue to do this on a weekly basis. It's something I can just do with a moments notice when there's a gap in my schedule, which really works for me.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to start moving more?

My advice is to find something that works for you, so try a number of activities and find the ones that fit and that you enjoy. I've met some of my best friends through sport and exercise and I find this community to be one of the most welcoming.

At Yorkshire Sport Foundation we believe in the power of movement, physical activity and sport to change people's lives, bring us together and tackle inequality. My role involves supporting the aims of partner organisations across the four districts of South Yorkshire through a range of different approaches, while at the same time influencing policy, process and practice at a sub-regional level, advocating for physical activity within wider agendas such as health, climate change and economic growth for example.

What do you do to keep active?

Just before the outbreak of Covid I did the Couch to 5k programme. It was the greatest gift I could ever have given myself! Running is 'me time' it clears my mind and gives me a more positive outlook. I also enjoying walking, and I go to an aerobics class at my local community centre, where I've met the most amazing group of women who all live nearby.

What advice would you give someone who wanted to start moving more?

Never underestimate the power of a regular walk! But if you'd like to do something else, keep an open mind about what you might enjoy, you might be pleasantly surprised. If you try something and don't like it, that's okay, try something else if you can. Be your own cheerleader and celebrate small achievements.

We run leisure venues across the borough and as well as providing gyms, pools and outdoor activity spaces we work in the community to make sure that we are offering people of all ages activities that are suitable to them. We work closely with NHS colleagues and provide rehabilitation sessions for people who are recovering from illness and we strive every year to get even more people exercising and focusing on keeping healthy.

What do you do to keep active?

I find running a great way to clear my mind and order my thoughts. Some of my best ideas come to me as I am running! You see so many people running, jogging or walking, just taking things at their own pace but moving and making an active choice to do something about their health and fitness.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to start moving more?

To quote a famous brand, just do it, you can sit and think about it and think about it some more but actually taking the first step and going for a walk or booking a session in the pool, an induction to the gym or trying a class is the best way to get started, You might have to try a few activities to find the one you love but unless you take that first step and give it a go you'll never know!

Rachael Leslie has worked in the NHS and in Local Authority Public Health for over 20 years. Rachael trained as a Consultant in Public Health and completed the NHS graduate management training scheme, working in hospitals as a general manager. Rachael enjoys working across wide ranging public health topics and issues and is currently the Director of Public Health at City of Doncaster Council.

As Head of Street Scene for Doncaster Council I am responsible for the maintenance and development of parks, open spaces, woodlands and streetscape – so providing safe spaces for users to exercise, relax and explore.

What do you do to keep active?

Walking the dog and I'm just in the process of getting another dog to walk!

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to start moving more?

First and foremost find something that you enjoy doing. Don't choose something that is or becomes a chore. So for example, wandering around parks and woodlands can both help with your physical health and mental wellbeing by being closer to nature.