Sam Formby

"When I was 16 years of age, I had a sudden and unexpected brain hemorrhage. That resulted in me being in a coma and hospital for a year where I wasn't sure if I was going to survive. After extensive brain surgery and rehabilitation I started to make a recovery, although I now have to use a wheelchair. When I was discharged, I lived in a caravan for many years which was difficult as I tried to get used to my new life. I thought drink and drugs would help me as I was in a bad place for a while. At the age of 19 my mental health became so bad that I had to do something or I would be dead 30.

I started my fitness journey at my local gym. I used to have to carry a sick bag around with me, my anxiety was that bad but I knew I had to make a difference. I made new friends and the gym staff helped to start training me. I've not looked back since, I've been passionate about daily fitness for 16 years now and can access my local gyms indeipedently.

I recently set up a charity to help get disabled people into health and fitness @enabled2020. It's the one thing that I'm passionate about and life just keeps getting better and better. I'm forever thankful.

I have completed a marathon on my handcycle to raise awareness of mental health and to help others who have struggled like me."