Greg Cunningham joined those who have graduated from Preston North End Community and Education Trust’s FIT FANS programme at a celebratory event at Deepdale on Wednesday 1 September.

FIT FANS supports those aged 35 to 65 who have a BMI of 28 or above to make healthier lifestyle choices, while also encouraging positive behavioural changes, through a 12-week weight management programme delivered at Deepdale, with 90-minute sessions equally split between theory and exercise sessions.

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With social restrictions having affected the delivery of the programme to all four groups that have previously graduated from FIT FANS, all participants were invited back to Deepdale to reunite and celebrate their achievements.

Part of their reward included a surprise visit from Cunningham, who answered questions from participants on all things health and fitness, to motivate them with their continued personal wellbeing journeys.

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Some high-achieving participants were given additional recognition for their efforts as they won signed items from Greg, including mini PNECET footballs.

Greg said: “I really enjoyed it. It’s something I do enjoy doing but under the circumstances over the last couple of years, it has been tough. It’s been pleasing to come out and chat to everyone and see how they are getting on.

“They have been doing the 12-week FIT FANS programme. I said I’d come down and we’ve talked about good habits and have been talking about nutrition and healthy eating. It seems good for them and I’ve really enjoyed chatting to them about it.”

FIT FANS did speak with Brad Potts and former Lilywhite Jayden Stockley in an online capacity when the programme was being delivered online last year, with Greg’s in-person visit the first by a first team player to any PNECET programme since February 2020 due social restrictions enforced by the pandemic.

To sign-up for FIT FANS, visit efltrust.com/fitfans and select Preston North End as your chosen club.

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