A SOLIHULL who lost nearly ten stone has come full circle after qualifying as a personal trainer and working on the same exercise referral scheme which saved her life.
Danielle Silcock, who weighed more than 20 stone in 2011, sought support from her GP to transform her lifestyle.
At risk of developing a long-term medical condition, Danielle was enrolled onto the DocSpot programme at North Solihull Sports Centre.
DocSpot is Solihull Council’s GP referral scheme, delivered by Everyone Active and it‘s designed to help adults with long-term health conditions, those at risk of developing one, or those needing preparation for operations or rehabilitation exercises to improve their fitness and wellbeing through exercise.
Danielle was referred on to the programme at North Solihull Sports Centre and was prescribed a programme of physical activity, designed to meet her individual needs which she has since credited for saving her life.
Danielle was supported by a qualified GP referral specialist throughout her journey and subsequently lost almost ten stone.
Two years later, Danielle tore a tendon in her knee and was enrolled on DocSpot again – but this time for a specialist rehabilitation plan to help her injury heal.
More than ten years later, Danielle is a fully qualified personal trainer.
She joined the team at North Solihull Sports Centre in 2021 with an ambition to complete her own GP referral qualification at the same place where she has undertaken the scheme as a patient herself.
Danielle is also an instructor of body pump classes, circuits, group cycling and bootcamp and has almost completed her GP referral qualification.
She said: “I am really proud to be helping other people on their health and fitness journey at the same place that I started mine. I have now come full circle after qualifying as a personal trainer and I really hope to inspire others with my story.
“If it weren’t for a service like DocSpot, I’d probably be dead. I was getting constant chest infections which doctors told me could evolve into more serious respiratory problems if I didn’t lose weight.
“I then found myself on the scheme again a few years later but for a different reason – to help with an injury.
“The scheme really helps to take pressure off GPs and we’re working hard to promote exercise as a powerful tool in the prevention and treatment of disease. I love using my first-hand experience to help other people achieve their goals and kickstart a healthier lifestyle.”
Those who think they may benefit from a referral should speak to their GP.
