8 May

James Cracknell Visits Westfield Derby to Launch New Physical Activity Campaign

James Cracknell OBE, double Olympic medallist for rowing, recently visited Derby to help launch a new campaign to help get adults more physically active.

The NHS Choices microsite  for Derby is a pilot project that has been developed by a number of partner organisations including the b-active campaign and the Primary Care Trusts in Derby and Derbyshire. It aims to get 18 to 24 year olds more physically active and contains a wealth of information about how to get active in both the city and county. The day also coincided with the launch of the b-active 30 minute challenge that aims to get adults pledging to do 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day and a new kickstart website which contains lots of useful advice and information on how to achieve this.

Olympic gold medallist James visited the Westfield shopping centre in Derby on 8 May to officially launch the campaign and help raise awareness of the push on physical activity that is happening in Derby and Derbyshire.

After giving his speech, James took the time to talk to shoppers who where finding out about the NHS Choices pilot and the b-active 30 minute challenge.

Shoppers were able to sign up for the 30 minute challenge whereby they pledge to do 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day for the next eight weeks. Anyone doing this received a free goodie bag containing a water bottle and pedometer. There was also the chance to win lots of prizes such as £1000 to spend in Westfield. Anyone over 18 can enter the challenge until 30 June and more information is available from b-active Derby

Visitors were also able to view the NHS Choices  and Kickstart websites. The latter is there to help anyone complete the 30 minute challenge and contains information on activities to have a go at, advice forums and links to the newly available walk-it software for Derby.

They could also have a go at a Nintendo Wii Fit challenge or declare themselves activity sinners or saints in the b-active diary room pod.

Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust’s campaign bus was also in Derby’s Market Place to encourage people to sign up to the 30 minute challenge and is out touring the county over the next couple of months. Find the nearest location .

To date over 3000 people have pledged to get their 30 a day. Why not give it a go yourself? For more information visit www.bactivederby.com/kickstart