EB Health & Leisure
Member Stories - Ray Hannah-Shelton
Meet Ray Hannah‑Shelton, a 63‑year‑old retired Greater Manchester Police Sergeant living in Poynton with his wife Karen. After decades in two incredibly demanding roles such as managing one of GMP’s three Operational Control Rooms and serving as a Force Hostage and Crisis Negotiator, Ray had little time for fitness or wellbeing.
Over 20 years ago, the pressure of shift work, unpredictable schedule and a lifestyle that left little room for healthy habits led to Type 2 diabetes. Even after retiring from the Police Service, Ray stepped straight into another intensive job working for a Premier League Footballer, a role that took him across the UK and Europe. Ray and Karen even spent a year living in the South of France before fully retiring around two years ago.
That’s when everything changed. With more time and energy, Ray and Karen made the decision to focus on their long‑term health and wellbeing, and to make the most of their local Everybody Health & Leisure centre in Poynton, where they’d been members for years, but hadn’t always been able to visit regularly.
Once retired, Ray and Karen made a commitment to healthier habits and stuck with it. For the past two years, they’ve visited Poynton Leisure Centre around four times a week, building a routine that works for them:
- Circuit Training Gold twice a week
- Two gym sessions, each starting with Ray’s impressive 5K run on the treadmill followed by strength training
- A weekly Yoga class, now a firm favourite for both
- Occasional sessions in the pool, plus trying out Body Pump and Pickleball
Alongside their activity, Ray and Karen also improved their diet, making healthier choices day‑to‑day and the results have been incredible.
Ray has lost over 2 stone, stabilising at a healthy 11st 7lbs, improved his fitness, strength, stamina and mindfulness, built meaningful new friendships through classes and seen life‑changing improvements to his health!
Last December, Ray received the news he’d been hoping for at his annual diabetes review: His HbA1c blood sugar levels are now in the pre‑diabetic range, something he had never achieved in more than two decades of living with Type 2 diabetes.
He credits much of this to consistency, lifestyle changes and the support of the Everybody team.
Ray’s journey has been shaped by the skilled and welcoming staff at Poynton:
- Kim, who leads Circuit Training Gold: “enthusiastic, energetic, always smiling”, and brilliant at pitching her class for all ages and abilities.
- John, a PT in the gym who always checks in, offering encouragement, advice and motivation.
- Emma, their Yoga instructor, whose calming, gentle approach helped Ray discover a love for Yoga he never expected. She even nominated him for Member of the Month in December 2025.
One of the things Ray and Karen treasure most about their time at Poynton Leisure Centre is the sense of community that’s grown around their routine. Over the past two years, they’ve built genuine friendships with other members who share the same mindset and commitment to staying active.
Two of those people are Alex and Wendy, who also attend Circuit Training and Yoga. Both will be 80 years old this year, but age is far from slowing them down. Wendy, in particular, has become Ray’s self‑declared “nemesis” she’s always ready with a joke or a bit of friendly competition that adds some fun to each session.
There’s also Ursula, who attends Circuit Training and is an incredible 90 years old. She always takes the spot directly in front of Ray, and watching her move with such strength and determination is something he finds both humbling and inspiring. For Ray, seeing people of all ages enjoying activity in their own way reinforces everything he now believes about staying well for longer: it’s never too late, and you’re never alone when the environment is as welcoming as this.
These friendships, the support, and inclusivity created by the staff and members have become a central part of Ray’s week. They’re a reminder that staying active isn’t just about exercise, it’s about connection, confidence and belonging.
As Ray looks ahead to the year, he has a clear and powerful goal: to move from the pre‑diabetic range to becoming non‑diabetic by the time his next annual review comes along this December. After seeing his blood sugar improve for the first time in more than two decades, he’s more motivated than ever. With consistent exercise, healthier eating, and the encouragement of the Everybody team, he knows exactly what he’s working towards, and he’s determined to get there.
Ray hopes his story offers reassurance and inspiration to anyone facing similar health challenges. His message is simple: taking proactive steps, even small ones, can make a huge difference to your wellbeing and quality of life.
At Everybody Health & Leisure, we’re here to help people live healthier and happier, whatever their age or ability. If you’re thinking about improving your fitness, health or wellbeing, you’ll find:
- Friendly, qualified staff who’ll guide you
- A welcoming community, just like Ray experienced
- Classes for every level, from Circuit Training to Yoga
- Fully‑equipped gyms, swim sessions and a huge range of activities
- Flexible, all‑inclusive memberships to keep things simple
If you’re ready to start your own journey, we’re here to help every step of the way. Find out more about our memberships here: Everybody Membership • Membership Packages • Register Online
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