How do you like to keep active? What activities do you enjoy the most?

The activities I enjoy the most are running and walking/hiking. I run a minimum of 4 times per week, including weekly training sessions as part of my local running club. My weekly runs range from structured training sessions, short fast runs and longer, slower recovery runs and whatever the weather, I love being out in the open keeping active.

Why do you feel it is important to lead a physically active lifestyle?

I found running five years ago when I was working away from home and it fit my lifestyle and routine really well. I’m not a fan of gyms and love the outdoors, so running was perfect and something I could do any time and any place. I’d hit my mid-30s and whilst not overweight, I was conscious of not being overly active and wanted to make sure I had a good level of general fitness. Leading a physically active lifestyle is not only great for fitness, but also for your wellbeing and for your mental health. If I ever have a stressful day, all I want to do is put my running shoes, get out and switch off – it works every time!

How does the Active Hub platform support your physical movement?

I discovered Active Hub on my first week at TransPennine Express in January 2024 when it was referenced during induction. I have found it excellent in having a goal to work within and to feel part of a wider event with all colleagues engaged in their activities, particularly when being a new starter at the company as it provided common ground when talking to new colleagues. Being part of an event on Active Hub gives you added drive to make sure you get out there and keep active regularly.

How has participating in Active Hub events helped increase your engagement with other colleagues?

As a newcomer to the organisation, it was great to see which other colleagues were involved in the event and aids in making connections with other like-minded colleagues. During the North Coast 500 event earlier in 2025, it also provided the opportunity to physically meet in person rather than virtually, where a small team of us ran 16 miles from Manchester to Standedge Tunnel to raise money for the event’s chosen charity SportAid. Not only did this group run help us complete the Active Hub event, but it also prompted the start of our formal TPE Runners social running club, where we organise a monthly team run at different locations across our railway network. This all started because of Active Hub and has helped bring colleagues together through a love of running.

Has having the Active Hub in place via your employer enabled you to lead a more active lifestyle?

I would say I was already leading an active lifestyle anyway, but having Active Hub and regular events in place certainly gives added drive and incentive to keep getting out there and putting the miles in.

What is your current active goal?

I have currently hit all my running targets for 2025 as I take part in a number of racing events throughout the year, so my main goal is to maintain a minimum of 25-30 miles of running per week, and start ramping this up for Marathon training towards the end of the year. Oh, and I should probably have a goal to stretch more!

Whether you’re already an active person or need a little push every now and then, engaging with Active Hub and participating in events is a great way to keep motivated and feel part of a community within your place of work.