Community Stories
From Heart Surgery to 12 Years Strong
After unexpected heart disease and open heart surgery in 2012, Lawrence was referred to our Reach exercise programme. What started as cardiac rehabilitation became a lifelong commitment to fitness. Over 12 years later, he still attends classes and shares his journey with newcomers, offering the same encouragement that helped him recover.
“You have to give it a go or you won’t get better,” he tells new members. “Once you get into it, it becomes a big part of your life.” Lawrence proves that with the right support, setbacks can become comebacks.
Mark's Stroke Recovery: From Depression to Determination
After suffering a stroke, Mark faced physical and mental challenges, including severe depression when his home physiotherapy ended. Referred by His GP to our Reach programme at Royton Leisure Centre, he found a safe environment to rebuild his strength and confidence alongside others on similar journeys. “A game changer,” Mark calls it.
Nearly two years later, he still attends weekly, proving that with expert support and the right mindset, recovery is possible. Mark’s journey shows triumph through adversity and the power of community-based rehabilitation.
Stronger Together: Real Stories of Health, Healing, and Community
Below, our members share their personal experiences of how finding their routine with us helped them regain their physical strength, lift their spirits, and find a true sense of belonging.
“Oldham Active helped me keep active whilst not breaking the bank balance whilst on maternity leave. It has also helped me meet mums who share the same passion for keeping healthy and active.”
Bethany Maguire | Active Start Membership
“I’ve been coming to Oldham Active since my heart attack. I was really going downhill, thinking I’d just sit in front of the television all day. But here you meet people in the same boat. It gets you out of the house. I feel a lot better about myself now.”
John Grenfell | Reach Scheme
“I was referred to Oldham Active following a 6-week course for my COPD. At first I paid each time, but decided on the GP referral 3-month offer once I started going twice a week. Now I’m taking out a gym membership. It’s helped my breathing and my GP says I’m now a normal weight.”
Elaine | Exercise Referral Scheme
“Oldham Active classes are fantastic, really structured and cater for everyone. But what makes them special is the real community feel, they’re more than just a 45-minute workout. Following my operation, the instructor checked in on me and ensured I could safely return. It adds so much value.”
Lorraine Robinson | Ultimate Membership
“There’s endless enthusiasm on the gym floor. The staff are passionate about fitness and proud of the facility. That energy transfers to members, keeping everyone happy and engaged. It’s why people keep coming back. The atmosphere really motivates you.”
Lorraine | Junior Membership
“I took early retirement from teaching last summer. I was overweight, menopausal and unfit. All my joints ached and were painful. With time on my hands, I signed up for my first Aquacise class with Gareth and was hooked from day 1! I now aim to go 3 Aqua classes a week and whilst some instructors are better than others(!) it has made such a huge impact on my general health and mobility. My joints are no longer painful and I have actually found a fitness regime that I enjoy.”
Rachel Buckley | Oldham Active Membership
“I began exercising for the first time in September 2024. Now I attend multiple classes per week across different leisure centres, plus swimming. The variety of instructors and varied timetables at each location keeps my routine fresh and engaging. The booking system is convenient, and I thoroughly enjoy making full use of my membership – it’s excellent value.“
James Keeling | Classic Membership
“Love the easy does it circuit in the gym on Monday & Friday at Failsworth. I have made some lovely gym friends, it’s so helped my bereavement journey. We smile,dance ,sing and definitely get pushed by Stuart, our class instructor.
We all leave feeling uplifted – Who said the gym can’t be fun 😁“
Gillian Clayton (Gill ) | Classic Membership
“All the Oldham Active staff I’ve been in contact with have been brilliant, they have been very friendly and helpful when I’ve needed help.”
Hsiu Tsang | Bee Active Membership
