A heartfelt story of
Rosie Berridge
This is a testimonial from Rosie Berridge, a mother whose 15-year-old son William has been struggling with a condition that has made everyday life challenging.
Last week William did exercises on 5 machines - each at higher weights than he was originally able to complete!
Last week William did exercises on 5 machines - each at higher weights than he was originally able to complete!
Last week William did exercises on 5 machines - each at higher weights than he was originally able to complete!
She shares her experience with fit20 Edinburgh South Gyle, a fitness studio that has helped her son improve his strength and gain confidence.
My son William is a bright and funny 15 year old boy. Over the last 18 months, William has been suffering with a condition which looks very like paediatric rheumatoid arthritis. This means that he finds every day life a challenge. He feels sore in all of his joints all of the time.
After about 8 months of testing, scanning and blood testing, this condition has now been ruled out. During this diagnosis period, William was advised to do no exercise at all. The official diagnosis is now growing pains, with the hope he will grow out of it.
As a consequence, William's condition, combined with his lack of muscle strength means that he cannot complete a normal teenage day. Will has not spent more than 3 hours at school for the last 18 months - which has been challenging given this year he will sit his National 5s. This also impacts on William's social life.
When I spoke with Warwick about Will - and asked, did he think fit20 might work for him, Warwick responded with the most enormous care and kindness. We agreed that I would speak with Will's physio - and Warwick took the time to consult with fit20 colleagues to take advice.
For the last 12 weeks or so, Will has attended fit20 every week. He started off very slowly and only on 3 machines. The weights were set at a very low bar, but this gave William the gift of being able to complete the routine. Each week, the routine has gently increased, or taken in different machines. Last week William did exercises on 5 machines - each at higher weights than he was originally able to complete.
Will still struggles to spend long at school - or go into town with his friends. What fit20 has given him is the confidence to see that his strength is improving week by week. The programme he is on is delivered with a high degree of care and professionalism.
Where endless hospital appointments have delivered no real answers - fit20 has given Will a little bit of hope. A little bit of control - and a little bit of power over his own recovery process.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Warwick and fit20 to anyone who would like a little bit more power.
05 April 2023
