Daniel Bramhall is a 100m Paralympic athlete who took part in the Rio Paralympic Games in 2016. He is extremely committed to training and competing, yet still finds time to volunteer up to 10 hrs every week! Back in 2014 Dan decided he wanted to do something with the aim to get himself out of the house as he was bored and wanted to meet new people. He also wanted to build his confidence, make new friends & socialise, so he started to look for ways he could do this. Dan decided he wanted to volunteer, and with his passion for sport and fitness he applied for the Everybody Volunteer Programme. Within a couple of weeks Dan was volunteering at Shavington Leisure Centre supporting the team at reception where he learnt the role of communicating with customers, operating the tills, and answering the phones.
After 2 years at Shavington, and making many new friends, he heard about the new lifestyle centre opening in Crewe and wanted a new challenge so applied to volunteer on the reception there. This new role introduced Dan to both more customers and new team members including Mitch Lawrence who soon became his personal trainer. Mitch worked with Dan and helped him prepare for the Rio Paralympic Games with weekly training sessions, but not only this they have become good mates with Mitch just recently attending Dan’s wedding.
Dan said;
since volunteering I feel a lot more confident, from not wanting the answer the phones I will now just pick it up and speak with customers, and I also have the confidence to ask questions if I am unsure about anything. I have made new friends and enjoy spending time around the Everybody Team.
Dan has completed a massive 1,700 hours and is currently looking at new challenges through sports coaching at the Community Athletics Session, & Ability For All programme supporting young people with a disabilities.
To find out more about our latest Everybody volunteering opportunities please visit the volunteer page for more information