Lesley McCormack
Director
Lesley is the beating heart of HOOP UK and has been working over the past couple of years to bring awareness to the issues that surround weight problems and obesity. Her passion was ignited when she looked for much needed help for her youngest daughter Allie, who was struggling with her weight. Lesley was appalled at the lack of support for Allie and for herself as a parent. Allie is now enjoying a healthy lifestyle at a normal weight. Lesley wants other parents and children to benefit from the resources and facilities that she was eventually able to secure for Allie.
Jill Tipping
Director
Jill is supporting Lesley on her mission by bringing business strategy and advice to the company. Jill is also a Director of Xposure Limited which works with companies to enhance their place in the market through strategically placed Social Media platforms and brand positioning. Jill has experience in setting up charitable ventures and is also bringing financial expertise to the team.
Clair Goddard
Trustee
Clair is lively, fun loving and enjoys spending time with her family, cycling and camping. It was during one of her solo camping trips that Clair discovered Hoop through a magazine article. As a Youth worker with a counselling background Clair is motivated and passionate in inspiring and supporting others. After struggling with her own weight throughout her life Clair understands both the physical and emotional issues obese people face, leading her to believe the work Hoop does is vital.
Lynne Potter
Head of Support
Lynne is disabled, has issues with obesity and needed both knee and hip replacements. For surgeons to consider operating she was told her BMI needed to be reduced. For Lynne this meant finding a way to lose 7 stone whilst confined to a wheelchair and her bed. Having the support of Dr Chris and Charlie Walduck, she began to see a way forward and 9 months ago was introduced to Lesley and to HOOP UK. She became an instant hit with us all. Lynne has now lost 7 ½ stone. She has had 1 knee replaced has begun walking short distances and even climbing stairs. She is our inspiration and we are proud that she agreed to become our Head of Support!
Jessie Pavelka
Patron
Texas born Jessie has been seen on our screens in the UK presenting Sky TV Obese: A Year to Save my Life. Series 2 was be screened in 2013. Jessie is keen to support HOOP UK as his passion is to encourage and educate individuals in order for them to lose weight and lead healthy and happy lives. HOOP UK is thrilled that Jessie has not only agreed to become our Patron but that he has been able to get involved at the early stage, increasing awareness and fund raising opportunities.
Dr Chris Steele MBE
Patron
Dr Chris is the resident doctor on ITV’s This Morning programme, having originally appeared on the very first show 24 years ago. He has now retired as a GP, but is doing lots of writing and loves educating people about medical matters. Qualifying as a doctor in 1968 he worked as a GP in South Manchester and became an international expert in smoking cessation and nicotine addiction. HOOP UK is proud to have him as their Patron.
Lee Veasey
Ambassador
In 2010 Lee weighed over 34 stone. His life was in danger. He was lucky enough to be accepted on to the Sky TV programme, Obese: A Year to Save my Life. It was there that he met the amazing Jessie Pavelka and personal trainer Claire, who coached him throughout 12 months and taught him how to lose weight, keep fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle, losing 13.5 stone. Lee is a Founder of HOOP UK and works as an ambassador promoting well being and supporting others along their own personal journeys.
Charlie Walduck
Ambassador
Charlie has battled with his weight and depression all his life. In 2003 his weight was in excess of 50 stones and, fearing for his life, a work colleague wrote to ITV’s This Morning programme. With the help of Dr Chris Steele MBE, Charlie lost over 35 stones without medication or surgery. He lost 20 stones in one year - a UK record and This Morning had its biggest viewer response in its entire history. Charlie continues to battle his weight and openly admits he still has spells of overeating - it was his honesty on screen that made him such a hit with viewers. Charlie has travelled the world telling his story and has appeared on numerous TV programmes. Charlie is a published author, radio presenter and writer.
Charlie is delighted to be involved with HOOP UK and hopes to use his experience to help others.
Sarah Le Brocq
Ambassador
Sarah appeared on the Sky Living TV programme, Fat: The Fight of my Life in 2013. It was there that she met Jessie Pavelka and personal trainer Valentine Rawat, who mentored Sarah and helped her to completely change her life. Sarah lost 8 and a half stones on the programme and went from a life of no exercise to amazingly completing an Olympic Triathlon as part of her journey. Sarah has inspired so many people already through her programme and would like to use her experiences to help others on similar journeys. Sarah is delighted to be involved with HOOP UK.
Trisha King
Chair of Trustees
Bio coming soon.
Chris Hillary
Trustee
Chris owns Fitness Frenzi and holds Zumba® Fitness classes throughout Kent. He has struggled with weight issues himself throughout his life and so understands the physical and emotional issues that people can be faced with. Many of his members have found his classes not only great for wellbeing, but also for building self esteem and confidence. Chris is passionate about health and is looking forward to supporting HOOP UK personally as well as through his business.
Professor Paul Gately
Trustee
Founder and driver of MoreLife, Paul’s mission is to raise awareness and inspire action that tackles the global problem of obesity. As an expert in physical activity and nutrition, Paul has the professional credibility to understand the complex needs of obesity; but it is his personal commitment to families and individuals that make him inspirational. Paul has contributed to the International Obesity Task Force / World Health Organisation’s report on childhood obesity, and continues to be a consultant to many government agencies, health organisations and corporations throughout the UK and internationally.
Mickey
Social Media Angel - Twitter and Facebook
Bio coming soon.
Karyn
Social Media Angel - Twitter and Facebook
Bio coming soon.
Karen
Social Media Angel - Pinterest
Bio coming soon.