Christmas is always a special time of the year, but it can also be incredibly lonely for some people - making it the most important time to support those around you, whether it be loved ones, friends, colleagues or strangers.
The Leeds United Foundation are committed to doing just that, supporting people in our local community and helping to combat isolation through a variety of their programmes that are delivered each and every day across the city.
One of the initiatives they run is the Fit Generations sessions, which take place every week at Elland Road, free of charge for some of our older supporters. The sessions involve chair-based exercises to help with improved mobility, balance, coordination and strength but they also offer a safe space to socialise and take part in fun and friendly discussions with like-minded people and staff from the club’s official charity.
The programme aims to build self-confidence and self-esteem for older adults that are tackling struggles with their day-to-day life, and Pepe is one of the participants that has been supported by the programme, especially through what has been an extremely difficult time.
Pepe started attending Fit Generations with his wife, Christine, but sadly he lost Christine earlier this year, and Pepe has had to adapt to life without his beloved. Coping with the festive season following a bereavement can carry a heavy weight, but Pepe has felt the love of his Leeds United family and has continued attending sessions just like Christine would have wanted him to.
“Christine was the type of person that when you walked past her, you'd stop and you'd have a conversation, and she felt like everyone's mum. She'd always stop, she'd always check in, she'd always make sure that you were looking after yourself,” said Simon Wood, Head of Health and Wellbeing at the Leeds United Foundation.
“The work that the Foundation does is around supporting people and helping people and making sure that we're trying to provide a service where people can find the best version of themselves.
“Seeing Pepe laughing and smiling after such a tough time, it's nice that the Foundation can have that impact and just help him a small part in his everyday life.”
Pepe added: “The people in Leeds are more friendly than anywhere else. You talk to some people, and they don’t want to know, but here, the people are more friendly and close.
“When you get the chance to talk to other people, you’re lucky! You need to be friends with people, everywhere you go.”
Michael, son to Pepe and Christine also spoke to LUTV and said: “It’s important that he has that social aspect, as well as the fitness that Fit Generations gives to us. It has been a great support since mum’s passing and it means so much to me after a hard few months for us – that's why my dad's upset now.
“It's an amazing club and what they do for the people. It's a great community spirit from youth to the seniors. My mum would want us to continue to come here.”
Club Ambassador Lucas Radebe attended a recent Fit Generations session and had the opportunity to spend time with Pepe, and he has since spoken about the importance of the work being done by the Leeds United Foundation. The Chief said: “If you lose your partner or your wife it is the worst thing ever. Nothing matters. And that's when you realise what life's all about. It puts everything into perspective. Pepe feels the loneliness now, but he never lost the family. He still has Leeds United. It's a bigger family. Yes, it can be lonely, but when he comes here, he can smile.”
To learn more about Fit Generations, and other programmes the Leeds United Foundation provides, please click here.
