Bolton Hospice supporters across our community challenged themselves to become our ‘Biggest Loser’ in 2021 – taking on a 12 week ‘virtual’ fitness challenge for the hospice in January 2021, with the aim of losing pounds and getting fit with the help of FitBox Online. The new online service from Chorley and Westhoughton based gyms FitBox not only supported this year’s participants, but kindly sponsored the event.

Together the participants lost an impressive total of 224 lbs with regular exercise, making healthy changes to their diet and through sheer determination to boost their wellbeing - as well as raising vital funds for Bolton Hospice through sponsorship from their family, friends & colleagues. Our Biggest Loser participants also raised an amazing £6,040 through their fantastic efforts, which will make a lasting impact to the hospice and the care we provide to patients and their families.

Participant Amy Walkden raised a total of £1,226 through her 12 week fitness journey supported by FitBox online, and was awarded the title of ‘Fantastic Fundraiser’.

Amy shared her reasons for taking part

“The care and support Bolton Hospice offer is amazing. I have had the privilege of volunteering in the offices for almost 3 years and ahve seen how much hard work goes into every aspect of keeping the hospice running. Fundraising is so important, especially this year when many events haven't been able to go ahead. When I saw the challenge of not only raising money but also losing some lockdown weight and getting fitter I knew I wanted to take part.

I made an effort to walk everywhere and as often as possible during lockdown and then while the kids were home-schooling I enjoyed HIIT workouts and Kettlebell session. Sharing my journey with friends and family on social media meant I had a lot of support and encouragement and this was joined with great donations. 

I would recommended the challenge to anyone and knowing it's for the Hospice certainly keeps you going.”

Vikki Johnson was named as Bolton Hospice’s 2021 ‘Biggest Loser’, winning the well-deserved title with her loss of 27lbs! Vikki described her experience of the challenge.

“I signed up really to raise money for the hospice, to lose weight and get fitter.  It had been a tough 12 months for everyone leading up to the start of the challenge, so it gave me the motivation to get fit and to give something back to the hospice at the same time.

I kept an eye on my calories using an app, just to make sure I didn’t go over each day, and actually ate really well.  I made some small changes as well, like not snacking in the evening, which really made a big difference.  For exercise I made sure I got out for long walks as much as possible, did a lot of gardening and DIY and had my kettlebell handy at all times.  I also bought an exercise machine for the front room to keep me moving when the weather was not so great.

It was great to be in the Facebook group with the other contestants and the guys from FitBox, everyone really supported each other with advice and food ideas and kept each other motivated.”

Grace Wood, Fundraiser at the hospice added

“Taking part in a fitness challenge is difficult to begin with, however add a national lockdown and solely online, and suddenly it becomes extremely challenging! I am so proud of all of our participants for their dedication and commitment to the full 12 weeks. Staying connected online and raising much needed funds for us at such a difficult time, I cannot thank them enough!”