Wigan Council fitness instructor to cycle 1,000 miles for the Brick

After suffering from anxiety, depression, addiction, and weight issues, Andrew Hakesley lost 10 stones in the space of 10 months with the help of a fitness instructor back in 2013.

Since then, he has gone on to completely transform his lifestyle and help others achieve their own fitness goals as part of Wigan Council’s Be Well leisure and wellbeing team.

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Andrew wants to help others overcome adversity with his fundraiser (Image: Andrew Hakesley)

Setting himself a challenge to help others overcome adversity, Andrew has committed to the 1,000-mile cycle to raise money and awareness for The Brick Project, which helps local people experiencing homelessness, poverty or debt.

Setting off on Saturday, June 10, the gruelling fundraiser will take 14 days to complete and see the 46-year-old dad-of-six and granddad of two camp out overnight at spots across the country, including wild camping north of the border.

Andrew, who has worked at the Wigan and Howe Bridge Leisure Centre in Atherton, said: “It’s a really tough time for a lot of people at the moment and The Brick do such an amazing job supporting people who need a little help to get back on their feet.

“I know I’ve been through really low points in my life; I’ve been through grief losing my mum and dad, I’ve been through childhood trauma and had an unhappy marriag. I’ve been through these things but I’ve come out the other end and recently got married again to my new wife Jennifer.

“I’m still a guy with mental health problems, insecurities and weaknesses but I deal with it all in a different way. When you’re down in life, there’s nothing better than getting off your backside and helping others, and I feel like I have a responsibility to do that now after what’s happened to me.

“My job with Be Well has given me a real purpose and a passion and I can see the difference it’s making to people - people who are diabetic who have come off the medication, people who have gone back to work after being on the sick for two years. It’s an amazing feeling and that’s now given me the confidence to do this bike ride - to show people that there is always hope.”

Andrew overcame his own struggles with the help of a fitness instructor (Image: Andrew Hakesley)

Although the usual journey from Land’s End to John o’Groats is 874 miles, Andrew plans to take the ‘scenic route’ to take in sights such as Cheddar Gorge and Loch Ness.

He’ll also be passing through the borough on Day Six, calling in at Leigh Sports Village before spending the night at home in Standish, while on Day Seven residents are invited to join him for a five-mile stretch before he heads north for the second half of his epic challenge.

Jane Webb, Communications and Fundraising Manager for The Brick, said: “With one in five families in Wigan Borough living in poverty and a rising demand for our services, we’re extremely grateful to Andrew for taking on this gruelling solo challenge.

“Overcoming his own personal challenges, Andrew - who dedicates his time to helping others - is an inspiration to us all. We wish him the best of luck with this amazing fundraiser!”

Andrew will begin his two-week cycle on Saturday, June 10 (Image: Andrew Hakesley)

Councillor Chris Ready, portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “Andrew is an absolute inspiration and we’re so incredibly proud of what he’s doing to support such a brilliant local organisation.

“As a member of our Be Well team, he helps other people every single day but now he’s really going the extra mile… in fact, he’s going the extra 1,000 miles! I hope everyone gets right behind him to raise much-needed funds for The Brick.

Councillor Chris Ready, portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, added: “Andrew is an absolute inspiration and we’re so incredibly proud of what he’s doing to support such a brilliant local organisation.

“As a member of our Be Well team, he helps other people every single day but now he’s really going the extra mile… in fact, he’s going the extra 1,000 miles! I hope everyone gets right behind him to raise much-needed funds for The Brick."

To support Andrew on his journey and donate to the Brick Project, you can visit his fundraiser here.