20 Years of Saints Foundation: Jon's Story
After Saints Goal helped him change his lifestyle, Jon decided to give back to Saints Foundation – jumping on his bike and raising £40k for charity.
In 2017, Jon decided to make a change in his life. His office job had led to him putting on weight and he felt a general lack of motivation to exercise and eat healthily – but finding out about our Saints Goal project was the kick he needed to turn things around.
Our targeted programme of support helped Jon lose weight, change lifestyle habits and also improve his mental wellbeing. The camaraderie on the course helped drive Jon on, and he found a great sense of community with his fellow participants.
“Saints Goal helped me feel more confident in myself,” he told us. “I found a new desire to live a much healthier life.”
The transformation Jon experienced left him wanting to give back to Saints Foundation, so he put his newfound fitness to good use by signing up for our Big Bike Challenge in 2018. The epic 300 mile adventure saw Jon and his fellow riders cycle all the way from Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium back to St Mary’s Stadium across 3 days.
“It was a huge personal triumph for me,” Jon said, “I got to see parts of the UK you wouldn’t usually get to see if you travelled up in the car. Plus, like I did with Saints Goal, I found a community in my fellow riders – I’ve made friends for life.”
Jon only took up cycling to take part in the Big Bike Challenge but he quickly found a passion for the pedals. He’s now a British Cycling Rider Leader and volunteers on guided rides around Hampshire. “It’s a great way to keep fit and motivated.”
He also stepped up for the 2019 Big Bike Challenge as a ride leader, fronting a journey even further north from Huddersfield and enduring awful weather along the way. Jon’s fundraising for both Saints Foundation and other charities has amassed around £40,000 in just over 2 years – all prompted by the change he made with the support of Saints Goal.
“I’ve had massive support from the Saints fans online,” Jon said, “We have a hugely supportive and friendly community who always put their hands in their pockets and support me through all my training and fundraising events.
“My positive experience with Saints Goal has also led to people around me wanting to take on the programme, and it’s fantastic to see them taking up a healthy lifestyle after going on their own journey with the Foundation.
