Dorset Spotlight - May June Edition 2022 by Dorset_Spotlight22

Dorset

SPOTLIGHT MAY / JUNE 2022 ISSUE: NO.2

BRINGING THE DORSET COMMUNITY TOGETHER THROUGH SPORT, HEALTH & WELLNESS, AND SUPPORTING LOCAL CHARITIES

BRITISH CHAMPION ELLIE ALDRIDGE FORMULA KITE

DENISE CASTLE

The WIBA World Atomweight Boxing Champion talks about the highs and lows of being an elite athlete whilst balancing work and being a dedicated mother to three children.

PEN HADOW

As the first person to trek solo from Canada to the North Pole, the Polar Explorer chats about his adventures and his foundation - protecting the North Pole wildlife and floating ice-reef ecosystem.

WHO DARES GYMS

The vision of a former Special Forces Operator led to a unique gym built on Bournemouth beach and epic fundraising by the team and their fitness community.

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MAY / JUNE 2022 - ISSUE 02

IN THIS ISSUE WELCOME TO DORSET SPOTLIGHT You know that saying: time flies? These past two months have certainly gone in the blink of an eye. But there is an upside to this - Our bi-monthly magazine is packed again with more inspiring Dorset residents; working hard to achieve their sporting goals and ambitions. We also recognise our local charities who work tirelessly to help the people within our community and celebrate the fabulous fundraisers who give up their time to raise money for them. I also wanted to thank you - the reader, for reading the magazine and following us on Instagram @dorset_spotlight and our other socials. Building a community from scratch isn't easy, especially as a one-woman band! But thanks to you sharing and engaging with the posts, our community of like-minded people is starting to grow, and I am incredibly grateful to you for that. I hope our May/June issue INSPIRES you to start your health and fitness journey - MOTIVATES you to keep going; and ENCOURAGES you to fulfil your ambitions and goals in all areas of your life. So, if you or your team have won a match or competition, you are raising money for a local charity, or you have beaten an illness and gone on to do something special. Get in touch with us - we want to hear all about it - info@dorsetspotlight.co.uk I hope you enjoy the issue. Until next time!

CONTENTS DORSET

SPOTLIGHT

MAY

JUNE

2022

ISSUE

06 12

02 06 09 12 17 18 23 27 30

Ellie Aldridge - Formula Kite Athlete Denise Castle - World Atomweight Champion Boxer #getdorsethealthy Recipes Pen Hadow - The Polar Explorer Try A New Sport Who Dares Gyms Bournemouth Elite Caragh Elliott - Junior Fencing Jasmine Navarro - Family Coach DORSET SPOTLIGHT

"HARD WORK BEATS TALENT, WHEN TALENT DOESN'T WORK HARD." | 03

For more motivational quotes follow Dorset Spotlight on Instagram @dorset_spotlight 1 Dorset Spotlight, May / june 2022

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inspiration

FORMULA KITE ELLIE ALDRIDGE FORMULA KITE ATHLETE ELLIE ALDRIDGE IS GUNNING FOR GOLD

Formula Kite is making its debut at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Talented Dorset athlete Ellie Aldridge is one of the world-leading female formula kite athletes, who is gunning for gold. Not only is Ellie, 26, a winner of four World Cup medals, she also recently won silver at the 2021 World Championships. Dorset Spotlight had the pleasure of chatting to the reigning British champion, having retained her 2019 & 2020 titles, about her love of the water, her Olympic goals, and her

DS: Hi Ellie, tell us about your younger years and what propelled you to participate in water sports?

ELLIE: “ I always loved being outside, and as a kid growing up, water sports gave me the freedom to go where I wanted to go on the water and be in control of what I was doing. I also had friends who enjoyed messing around on boats outside of school. As I got older, I spent more and more time on the water doing as many water sports as I could, living the rough and tough lifestyle of getting wet and cold, day after day! I just loved being in the raw elements that nature had to offer, and the Dorset coastline is the perfect safe haven to experience it all.”

passion for sustainability and protecting the oceans for the next generations.

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DS: Formula Kite looks like a fast and thrilling sport. When did you first try it, and how did you know it was the sport for you? ELLIE: “A good friend of mine taught me to Kitesurf back in 2016; we would kite whenever the wind was howling, all year round. I love the buzz you get from kiting when it is wild and windy. I have always loved the sport but had a weird feeling that I would be good at Formula Kite racing - but I never really knew how good I would be until I got into the racing at the end of 2018.” DS: With the 2024 Paris Olympics coming soon, how did you feel when asked to represent your country and join the British Sailing team? ELLIE: “The British Sailing Team is the most successful Sailing Team in the world. I feel incredibly honoured to be part of the crew. It's a great feeling to compete alongside some of the best sailors in the world, in a friendly environment. The Olympic trials for Paris 2024 Olympics haven't happened yet, so I will be training hard over the next year to hopefully secure my spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics!”

DS: I bet life will be busy for you from now until the games? What type of training will you be doing to reach your peak performance, and will you need to qualify and take part in more competitions? ELLIE: “My training involves spending a lot of time on the water, practising specific skills, racing, or speed work. When I'm not training on the water, I must keep up my strength training in the gym and CV fitness, so I'm in the best shape for racing. I spend a lot of time travelling to different regattas, some we use as training events, and some are more important. This year, I will be focusing on the processes rather than the outcome. Using every regatta as the best training environment to learn as much as I can about how I can improve. Next year the Olympic trials start, so I need to be at my best to qualify. It can be busy and full-on at times, as it is a big commitment to give your whole life to something, but to try and become the best, you must do everything you can, and I love it!”

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DS: At Dorset Spotlight, we are big advocates of taking care of your overall wellbeing. As a top-level athlete, how do you switch off and relax? ELLIE: “I love what I do, but I also know the importance of taking time away from competitions and training. Kitesurfing is a very diverse sport, with many different disciplines. I compete in kite foiling, but I also love to ride for fun on a twin tip or surfboard. I am lucky to live in Dorset, surrounded by the amazing coastline, perfect for Kitesurf, surfing, or a swim. I also love to ride my bike or climb with friends.” DS: Tell us about your passion for sustainability and protecting the oceans for the next generations? ELLIE: “The oceans and seas around us are the most important places on our planet - we must look after them. I feel very connected and passionate about protecting the oceans that have given me so much joy. I hope our generation can change the ways of single-use plastic, unnecessary waste, and water contamination; so, the seas stay as beautiful as they are now, for more people to enjoy and thrive in - as much as I have. Living more sustainably doesn't have to mean massive changes - I cannot give up everything to live in a mud hut and eat pine nuts and foraged mushrooms. I try to buy local food, avoid unnecessary single-use plastic, and choose to ride my bike as much as I can instead of driving. Everyone can try to make small changes like these; to help make a positive impact on the future of our planet.” Follow Ellie on Instagram: @ellieealdridge

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ELLIE ALDRIDGE Dorset Spotlight, May/ june 2022 4

"Turn the pain

into power" For more motivational quotes follow Dorset Spotlight on Instagram @dorset_spotlight 5 Dorset Spotlight, May/ june 2022

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Q&A with Denise Castle

WIBA

WORLD ATOMWEIGHT BOXING CHAMPION

We are incredibly fortunate in Dorset to have produced some exceptionally talented athletes, and WIBA World Atomweight Boxing Champion, Denise Castle, age 50, is up there with the best. After starting her fighting career in Muay Thai, Denise powered her way through to become a multiple WBC Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion, a fantastic achievement itself. But her success did not stop there. Late in her career, she transitioned to boxing. On the 26th of October 2019, Denise fought Suthinee Bamrungpao in Bangkok. Her hardhitting style stopped Suthinee at 1:15 seconds of the 5th round winning the WIBA World Title. July 2019

Denise is an elite athlete who inspires both men and women. The dedicated mother of three balances family life with her job as a PE technician at Bournemouth Girls Grammar School and a fitness instructor assessor within the Bournemouth University sports department; whilst training as a world-class athlete. dorsetspotlight.co.uk

Dorset Spotlight, dorsetspotlight.co.uk May/ june 2022 6

Her list of accolades: WIBA World Boxing Champion; WBC National Muay Thai Champion; WBC International Muay Thai Champion; WBC World Muay Thai Champion; WIKBA International Muay Thai Champion; WKA National Muay Thai Champion; FIBA World Muay Thai Champion; S1 World Muay Thai Champion; WBC Inspirational Female of the Year; Kings Cup Technique Fighter of the Night; and Dorset Amateur Athlete of the Year. But, on Saturday 26th of March 2022, Denise Castle took on Norj Guro for the WBC Silver World Atom Weight World Championship in Dubai. What looked like a convincing win resulted in a split decision loss. The controversial fight saw Norj continually headbutt Denise, which should have resulted in point deductions and a disqualification. Dorset Spotlight chats to Denise about the highs and lows of being an elite athlete, what drives her to remain top of her game and what is next for the champ. DS: Hi Denise, what a few weeks you have had. Tell us about your recent fight against Norj Guro in Dubai? What did you expect going into it, and how did you feel when given the result? DENISE: “As always, when travelling to compete abroad, it is the unknown - but with Norj also flying in from the Philippines, we believed that Dubai would be neutral. However, upon touching down, we soon realised that the Filipino community in Dubai is over 21% of the total population, and Norj had a local gym and a following with her. Although I had not fought for just over two years due to covid, I had managed to keep in fight shape as my husband is my coach, and we have a purpose-built gym at home. I knew that I would have the reach advantage and worked on movement and holding the centre of the ring to make it my fight. The fouls threw me, and I was frustrated with the referee for not following his procedure to keep the match safe and preventing the fouls by deducting points to deter using the head. I was genuinely shocked when the result got announced - Norj had to be saved in round seven by the referee, and other than the first two rounds, I felt that I had dominated the fight.”

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DS: Tell us about your early years of fighting; how did you first get into Muay Thai? DENISE: “I was into running - I ran marathons and won the local Bournemouth Bay Run (Half Marathon in 2001). As a prize for winning, I received a free membership to Fitness First, where I met Lorn. He was about to run the London Marathon, so I assisted his running, and in return, he taught me Muay Thai as he was coaching and competing at the time.”

DS: What type of training would you do in the run-up to a fight? DENISE: “I train hard most of the year, as I genuinely enjoy it; and

DENISE CASTLE

always have. In the lead up to a fight, I add in rounds of pad work and

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sparring to simulate the exertion that I will face over the 10-rounds. This time, I utilised the advancements in technology and did Les Mills Gritt about five times a week - the full-body conditioning is fantastic for any sport.”

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DS: How do you balance family life with three children, your job as a PE technician, and training at the highest level? DENISE: “With difficulty! No, really! It all comes down to setting goals and being strict. I never sacrifice family time for training. I often do my cardio during my work lunch break, and I do my other training, at home in our gym. An hour an evening is all it takes - having the motivation to do it is key."

DS: Away from the world of fighting, what do you do in your spare time to have fun? DENISE: “Cinema and Starbucks :) and travel - I love to travel with the family.”

DS: So, what is next for you…? DENISE: “Well - we have launched an official review into the result - so I will await that. I have had a possible offer to return to Kickboxing, and I will also be defending my WIBA World Title - hopefully, I will be able to bring that here in Bournemouth.”

Follow Denise’s boxing career on Facebook and Instagram @denisecastleboxer

DENISE CASTLE

9 Dorset Spotlight, May/ june 2022

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Spanish Chicken Stew (Slow Cooker) #GETDORSETHEALTHY Serves 6

What you need to do:

What you need:

1.Place all the ingredients into the base of a slow cooker, except for the balsamic vinegar and frozen peas. Stir to combine.

450g baby potatoes, halved 600g chicken thighs, skinless, boneless 2 celery stalks, sliced 360g roasted peppers, drained, chopped 1 red onion, diced 600g can chopped tomatoes 480ml chicken stock 2 tsp. smoked paprika Pinch of saffron ½ tsp. salt 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar 135g frozen green peas

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2.Cook on high setting for 4 hours (or low for 6 hours) 3.Once cooked, stir in the balsamic vinegar and frozen peas. Cover and cook for a further 5 minutes. Serve immediately. Storage: cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze up to 3 months. Prep: 20 mins, Cook: 4 hours Kcal: 371, Fats(g) 7, Carbs(g) 38, Protein(g) 36

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Banana & Strawberry Cake #GETDORSETHEALTHY Serves 16

What you need to do: Pre-heat oven to 350°F (180°C).

What you need: 4 small ripe bananas 130g wheat flour 60g buckwheat flour 60ml coconut oil 2 tbsp. stevia/xylitol 1 egg 1 tsp. baking powder 10 strawberries, halved

Peel the bananas and place them in a food processor or highspeed blender. Blitz until smooth. Add in the egg, oil and xylitol, then mix again. Next, add in the flours and baking powder, and blitz until a smooth batter is formed. Transfer the batter into a greased or silicon cake tray. Place the halved strawberries on top and bake for around 60 minutes, until the cake is golden brown and cooked through. Prep: 10 mins, Cook: 60 mins, Kcal: 104, Fats(g): 5, Carbs(g): 16, Protein(g): 2

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FEATURE

PEN HADOW THE POLAR EXPLORER In 2003, Pen Hadow became the first person to trek solo from Canada to the North Pole – a challenge that has never been repeated. Pen, 60, who lives in North Dorset, leads a nongovernmental scientific and public engagement programme, Arctic Mission – a series of expeditions delivered in association with the international advocacy work of the 90 North Foundation. He is a man on a mission - founding the 90 North Foundation to protect the North Pole wildlife and floating ice-reef ecosystem in the Arctic Ocean international waters. Its objective is to catalyse the policy-making processes to establish the world's largest wildlife reserve, the North Pole Marine Reserve. Dorset Spotlight was delighted to get the opportunity to chat with Pen about his epic adventures and the crucial work he continues to do in understanding the natural world and protecting our planet for future generations.

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DS: Hi Pen, tell us about your younger years; were you always an adventurer? PEN: “Well, in my earliest years, my development was overseen by a lady, Enid Wigley, in her seventies, whose first job as a teenager had been to look after Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s only son, Peter. Peter was later knighted for his work setting up the WWF, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, and presenting the world’s first natural history TV programme, Look, from 1955-69, before handing the baton on to David Attenborough. At the behest of Peter’s mother and my father respectively, we were both subjected to a Spartan-like regime. I was put outdoors for longer and longer periods with less and less clothing in the Autumns, Winters, and Springs in the Ochil Hills west of Perth in Scotland. Enid raised me on a diet of adventurous tales about the likes of Scott, Shackleton, Mawson and de Gerlache, who we collectively referred to as ‘the Antarctic boys’ – they seemed like virtual uncles to me.

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I became aware I was not wired quite like other boys my age at secondary school, though I could never put my finger on it. I remember at a local fairground standing on the steps to the whirligig, overlooking the crowds, and saying to my mother, “I don’t feel like I’m a part of all this; I feel different somehow”. To which my wise mother replied, “Well, you’ve just described the thing that will lead you to an interesting life. You’re so lucky. It’s a gift.” While I played in the school sports teams, I was as much a coach as 1a9 player, always interested in how we could improve our performance. I was also inclined to come up with schemes that were not within the school’s normal extra-curricular activities. Aged 12, I dangled upside down from an apple tree in our garden, hooking my legs over a branch to see how long I could last! About 3 hours 45 minutes as it turned out. My mother found me, head swollen, and feeling decidedly squiffy once down and standing on terra firma, the right way up. I was just interested in what it would be like as I entered the latter stages of my experiment. I remember having a small bookcase in my bedroom, that over the first 20 or so years became rammed with adventure-orientated books. From Ladybird’s Scott of the Antarctic’ to expedition accounts from Francis Chichester, Ranulph Fiennes, Chris Bonington, John Ridgway, Chay Blyth, and Tim Severin, and all Wilbur Smiths best-selling novels. I ran a solo marathon aged 15, long before it became a popular public participation activity, raising £102.60 from fellow pupils for the Queens Silver Jubilee in 1977. And I rowed in a coxed pair 52 miles down the Thames, and through innumerable locks, from Henley Bridge to Chiswick Bridge, raising £1,500 so we could publish our UCL Geography department’s academic journal, of which I was the editor, for the first time in years. But the idea of becoming an adventurer-explorer never occurred to me until one afternoon when I was 27!”

DS: In May 2003, you embarked on an enormous adventure, solo trekking from Canada to the North Pole. What made you decide to do this challenge; and unsupported? PEN: “In 1989, I was on the Arctic Ocean Sea ice, travelling with a sledging partner and photographing polar bears, when my contact lens froze to the surface of my eye. In peeling it off with my grubby fingers, I damaged the surface. It became infected, causing cloudy, blurred vision and some pain. We were hundreds of miles and weeks away from medical aid.

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My partner managed to contact Ran Fiennes and Dr Mike Stroud during an attempt on the North Pole from Canada. And Mike kindly and expertly advised on my care with the advanced medicines we carried. It got me thinking. I was doing a 70-day sea ice expedition on the edge of the Arctic Ocean. How much harder could it be going to its centre, and why not alone, using my newfound experience! I decided to commit to doing it on the flight home. It turned out, that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Going truly solo, with no resupplies or other interventions, from Ward Hunt Island to 90º North is perhaps crudely analogous to making the first solo ascent of Everest by the hardest climbed route with no supplementary oxygen. No one had managed to do it. Special forces personnel, professional guides, and famous explorers all had tried and failed. It seemed to be the obvious way to prove one's credentials. The deeper reason was to prove to myself that I could do such a thing. And, if I am honest, to show my father, who had invested so much care, thought and time in setting me up for life’s challenges in my childhood, that it had all been worthwhile. I didn’t realise it would take three attempts over the next 15 years to succeed.”

"DS: How did you mentally and physically prepare yourself for the trek? PEN: “One key strategic decision was to set up a polar guide service so that I would build up a substantial body of experience in the Arctic Ocean. As opposed to turning up at the start and relying mainly on a positive mental attitude. The latter is essential, but it needed to be underpinned by hard-won field experience, in my view. I learned this during my first attempt. 35 miles in 35 days in 1994. In 1998, I tried again but ran before I could walk as I had decided not to take a sledge – just a 120lb rucksack with only 40 days of fuel and food plus my essential kit. I covered three-quarters of the 770 kilometres before my right knee completely broke down – it wobbled like a loosely-strung puppet leg - and I had run out of heavy-duty painkillers since the ‘knee incident’ near the beginning of Day 8. Too ambitious. I knew I could do it with a sledge in my head, so I wanted to push back the boundary that much further. I knew for my third attempt in 2003, I would have to stick to the sledging mode. A lightning, ‘Alpinetype’ strike would have to wait. To prepare, I set up a four-person adventure racing team in 2002, two men and two women. It was physically and mentally as tough as any sport, with the bonus of being a test of endurance in different wild-country settings across the UK. And if any of us keeled over through pushing ourselves to exhaustion, you had your teammates to protect and restore you. At the end of the season, we competed over four days at the inaugural UK National Adventure Racing Championships (2002), coming 10th. I also secured the services of a sports psychologist. Invaluable! I outlined the five scenarios everyone encounters on extreme Arctic Ocean expeditions, all of which can break one. Indeed, they had done for most of the previous 15 solo North Pole attempts. The tools that I developed were frankly essential. And the most important one of all was how to retain or regain emotional stability when under intense pressure in extreme situations.”

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DS: Tell us about the trek and the conditions you faced? Were there any stand-out moments where your life was at risk? PEN: “So, you’re heading out to sea from one of the world’s northernmost and remotest coastlines, to cross 770 kilometres of ever-shifting ice floes, open water, very thin sea ice that bends under your weight (or collapses), and 4,500 2-metre high-pressure ridges (chaotic jumbles of ice blocks where floes have been crunched together). All this mixed up with temperatures of -45ºC to -5ºC, over 75 days, sometimes in zero visibility, and the ever-present threat of overly interested polar bears. It took singular focus, technical expertise, emotional control, and preparedness to discover what it would take psychologically – a frightening undertaking even in normal circumstances. One of the big features of the expedition was my ability to swim through very thin ice, and across open water, between the floes, towing my sledge behind me. I’d clamber into a special, orange-coloured dry-suit, known to me as Mr Orange (or more informally as Mr O). I first used it on Day 15. The longest I spent in the water was 3.5 hours. And by the time I reached the Pole I’d spent about 35 hours cumulatively in the water, out of the 850 hours spent hauling my sledge northwards. Several moments threatened to bring the curtain down prematurely. One Day 46, I misjudged the ice’s strength. It collapsed, and I hadn’t the immersion suit on. It’s like dropping through a stage trap door at the wrong time in a play. It’s 50% lethal and 100% terrifying. It was my self-taught mind drills that got me out of that one. The other was on Day 59. I’d been guiding in the region within 90 miles of the North Pole 15 times before, but I had never seen such horrendous surface conditions. Open water, compressed slush-ice, giant pressure ridges – and all visibly mobile. A kind of worst-case scenario. I was so nearly there. Only 5 more days as it turned out. And yet it was encountering this seemingly impassable area of chaos, which I was seeing as a likely death trap for a weary, desperate traveller such as I. I broke down and sobbed. The cumulative strain of 59 days in extremis on my own and now this was simply too much. I lost my emotional balance. I was desperate. I was scared and I felt I had an impossible choice to make – fail again (and call to be picked up by plane) or die failing. And then, instinctively and calmy, I spoke out loud to the depths of my soul, “I don’t think I can do this, please help me.” A minute or so passed, and then the most extraordinary thing happened. I stood up, I felt not only relaxed and assured, but totally indestructible. I felt like I was radiating energy, like the once-famous glow in the 1982 Ready Brek telly ads. I knew at that moment, that I would find a way safely through, and nothing could now stop me from reaching the Pole.”

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DS: What animals did you encounter on your way? PEN: “The day I set off from Ward Hunt Island, March 17, I thought I spotted a micro whirlwind of snow. Then it stopped, and I realised it had been an Arctic Hare. Then I saw another hare. It was mid-March. They were doing what ‘mad March hares’ do when thoughts turn to the possibilities that come with Spring. I saw three seals in the open water between the floes, each time, they were about 30 metres away, but I could not identify the species from just their heads breaking the surface randomly. Surprisingly, a snow bunting landed on one end of my sledge while I was taking a tea break on the other end. They are not meant to be hundreds of miles from land out on the Arctic Ocean. I saw many Arctic Fox footprints almost to the Pole, which is surprising too because they cannot swim! And near the Pole, I came across the reason for their presence. The abandoned carcass of a Ringed Seal, killed by a polar bear. But I never saw a polar bear on this expedition – mercifully.”

Pen trekked 770km from Ward Hunt Island, Canada, to the North Geographic Pole in 64 days. DS: How did you feel when you completed your challenge? PEN: “Utter, utter relief that I had finally done it. That I would never ever need to think about doing the mission again, and that chapter in my life was over. I had let go of many alternative opportunities and burnt many bridges to achieve it. I was not the strongest, the smartest, fittest, or the toughest to have attempted it. But over time, I had worked out what it would take, and I was prepared to do almost anything to succeed. It has proven to be a golden nugget that will always be in my back pocket, should I ever need to remind myself of what is possible.” For more details about Pen, please check out his website www.penhadow.com, and follow him on Instagram @penhadow Photos: Courtesy of Pen Hadow

PEN HADOW

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TRY A NEW SPORT RUNNING In a time - where the cost of almost everything is going up in price - hold on to your hats - running is free! So, if you are looking at getting fit this summer, grab your trainers, put on your activewear, and get outside. There are many benefits to getting outside and starting to jog or run. It will improve your cardiovascular health and the way you look and feel, putting you in a better mood to face the day ahead. Beginners should start with brisk walking, progressing to jogging and working up to running. Always warm-up and stretch before your run and cool down with some gentle stretches on your return. It is also worth chatting to your doctor before starting any running programme. Tips to keep you safe: Take your mobile phone. Let someone know your route and what time you think you will be back. Drink plenty of water before, during and after you run. Avoid running during the hottest part of the day in the summer and apply sunscreen if needed. If listening to music, don’t have it too loud – stay alert and aware. Avoid eating before directly going on a run. Wear reflective gear if you’re running in the early morning or when it gets dark. Stick to well-lit, populated routes and avoid dangerous and isolated areas. Run with a friend or a group. Stop if you injure yourself and seek medical advice. As you start to improve, you will find that you can run quicker and over longer distances. Some may want to compete competitively - this would be the time to join a running club, or why not sign up to participate in a fun run or marathon. So, what are you waiting for...?

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FEATURE

WHO DARES GYMS Set on sandy Bournemouth Beach is a gym like no other. Who Dares Gyms is the vision of a former Special Forces Operator. His love for training outdoors came from his time in the military, where they would often train on the beach or in the mountains. As a trained paramedic, personal trainer, and with a background in security, all things waterborne and even a trained lifeguard, the former soldier’s skillset meant the council gave his business the green light – and within two months, Who Dares Gyms opened. The classes and events at the fully functional gym on the beach; are run by former UK special forces and Royal Marine Commando personnel who will happily beast you into shape.

But there is something extra special about this gym, which opened in June 2021. Who Dares Gyms raises money for three different charities: REORG Charity - A community dedicated to helping military, veterans, and blue light workers through the Brazilian Jiujitsu lifestyle. Dorset Children’s Foundation - Are dedicated to improving the lives of children with disabilities within our community. Rock 2 Recovery – Saves and changes the lives of those in the Armed Forces, the Veteran Community, the Emergency Services, and their families - who are affected by stress. In their first season, Who Dares Gyms raised an outstanding £10,000 – a fantastic achievement by everyone involved. This year they are adding another charity to the list as well.

But don’t be intimidated as there is something for all, and all fitness levels are welcome. With Yoga and Self-defence classes on offer too, Who Dares Gyms will cater for your mind, body, and soul.

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My Time Young Carers - The charity supports children who look after family members with a disability, illness, mental health condition or drug or alcohol problem. With some children as young as six, these children sometimes miss out on a normal childhood due to caring after loved ones, so My Time supports these children, and this summer, Who Dares Gyms will be supporting them.

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DS: Hi, Who Dares Gyms, Congratulations with the gym’s success. The gym is a labour of love for you; what made you decide to open it? Have you always wanted to be a gym owner? WDG: “Absolutely NOT. Lol! My love of the gym has always been there, from a young age and then 20 years in the elite military - the passion never faded. The idea came to me walking down Bournemouth beach during lockdown - I realised the UK public were missing something special." DS: Tell us a bit about the gym and how you built it to prevent equipment from sinking into the sand? WDG: “Good question. I will not be giving away my secrets, but I just had to lean back on the ingenuity from my Special Forces days and think of the details - the sand grain, the wind, and the shifting sand with all the elements combined. So, a bit of market research – which was me assessing using different frames over a two-week period and seeing what worked and what did not. The council were not a push over or easy to convince. They knew it would be a challenge and made sure I was on the ball, at every turn. The end product was a gym that could survive the blistering heat or a stormy night." DS: You have brought together a diverse group of people; current and ex-military personnel, emergency workers and Dorset residents. Why do you think this blended community works so well together? WDG: “Well, it is a hard question to answer - I think it’s because its outside and everyone is enjoying the views, it’s not like a normal gym where everyone is looking inwards. Also, I strongly believe in how you run a gym or company from the top down; it emulates across with its community within it. We wanted to bring the old school way of working out back with Who Dares Gyms, where everyone helps each other and talks to each other. We have a great group of older clientele that loves the military mindset of honesty and open way of talking – and we have the younger generation that love being outdoors and training in a completely new and unique way.”

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DS: After the success of your events last season, tell us what you have coming up? WDG: Well, we have a lot … we have something for everyone in 2022. We have three sets of Games Events in May, July, and Oct; they are the CrossFit games style; but with a military twist. We have a Deadlift competition for all abilities in June. Also, in June, we are holding the first of its kind Blue light, Veterans and Services Games - this is for the Police, NHS, any service in the community, and our veterans and military. We also have our Enabled Games - for any person with a limb amputee, or in a wheelchair, or other, that wants to compete. This event is strongly supported by Blesma and REORG charities. Also, we have the first of its kind UK CLASSIC strongman competition in August. So, keep a look out for these as the dates get closer.

DS: Your fundraising has been phenomenal; your chosen charities must be incredibly grateful for your support. Do you have any charity events coming up soon? How can people get involved? WDG: “Yes, we have something big planned with some faces in the sports industry. Places will be available on a first come, first serve basis. It will be in either Oct or Nov. We cannot wait to beat last year’s amount raised.” For more details about Who Dares Gyms, check out their website www.whodaresgyms.co.uk Follow on Instagram @whodaresgyms

WHO DARES GYMS

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"don't be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try" For more motivational quotes follow Dorset Spotlight on Instagram @dorset_spotlight dorsetspotlight.co.uk

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Dorset

SPOTLIGHT INTRODUCING JUNIOR REPORTER XANDER

KIDS / TEENS CARAGH ELLIOT

BOURNEMOUTH ELITE

Our Junior Reporter Xander, chats to Caragh about her success and ambitions in Fencing.

Competing against the best in the world - teams Hail and Storm head to Florida, USA, to compete at the Cheerleading World Championships and The Summit 2022.

JASMINE NAVARO

The certified family coach and qualified teacher shows us how to help your teen or young adult build self-confidence.

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BOURNEMOUTH ELITE FEATURE

BOURNEMOUTH ELITE HEAD TO THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS With cheerleading recently being granted full Olympic status, these incredible athletes will now get the recognition they deserve. Tucked away in Poole, 130 children and young adults called Bournemouth Elite, come together to train, and compete in cheerleading. The club was formed in 2010 by Zoe and Graham. Since then, Bournemouth Elite has grown, and they have created a fun, family-style environment where athletes develop their skills, gain trust by working closely with their team, building strong friendships along the way.

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It is exciting times for Bournemouth Elite - from the 23rd-25th April 2022, their International Senior team called Hail competed at the Cheerleading World Championships 2022, held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World, Florida, USA. The nineteen athletes who won their bid to compete in the World Championships back in 2019 took part in the International Open Large Coed Five category, as Hail is a mixed team consisting of 6 men and 13 females. The excitement does not stop there, as up next were their junior team called Storm, who won their bid to compete at The Summit, from 28th April – 1st May 2022, also at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in the USA. The event provides an opportunity for non-World divisions to compete against the best of the best from other countries, at all levels of competition. Dorset Spotlight had the pleasure of chatting to Zoe about their ambitions for the thriving club, what it means to them now cheerleading has been granted full Olympic status and the team's results from the recent World Championships and Summit competition.

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DS: Hi Zoe, tell us the story of Bournemouth Elite? How did it all start, and are you and Graham both cheerleaders? ZOE: “Bournemouth Elite was born when a group of Cheerleaders decided to get together and form our own club. At the time, we had one senior team, and through the years have grown to nine teams. Our youngest cheerleader is age 3, and our oldest cheerleader is in their mid-30s. Both Graham and I were cheerleaders, I have since retired, but Graham continues to compete and coach alongside me on our Worlds team.” DS: Cheerleading looks like a high-energy team-based sport, with lots of stunting, pyramids, tumbling and jumps. For someone thinking of giving it a go, what fitness and skill level would they need? ZOE: “Cheerleading is fantastic, and there is a place for everyone. We take people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. You can learn all the skills you need to as we have a variety of teams.” DS: Congratulations to Hail, who qualified for the World Championships and Storm, who qualified for The Summit in the USA. Tell us about the competition and how the routines get scored? ZOE: “The scoresheet consists of several elements. Each element has its own judge who judges the execution and difficulty of the skills. The key areas are Stunting, including Pyramid; Tumbling, including Jumps; and an overall judge who looks at the dance, performance, and routine composition. Additionally, there is a safety and legality judge. They ensure each team follows the set rules; for the level at which they are competing.” Question asked before the event: DS: So, what is the dream for Hail and Storm? Do you think they will be coming home with the win? ZOE: "At the moment, the dream is to be able to get on the plane. For Hail, after having the trip postponed for so long, everything feels like a dream. It is unlikely either team will win, but for Hail, the goal is to place top ten, and for Storm, it will be to complete a clean routine. Just achieving bids for the events is an accomplishment."

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Question asked after the event: DS: How did the teams do at the events? ZOE: "Storm our junior team performed a beautiful routine at The Summit (the biggest National Championship in the USA) and placed 4th out of the UK teams. Hail amazed us all and performed a zero run (a no deductions routine) in the semifinals which meant they qualified for Finals and we are pleased to let you know they came 4th in the World!!! This is an amazing achievement as a team our goal was top ten and a zero run. We smashed both goals and are the proudest of our athletes and Coaches!"

DS: With cheerleading recently granted Olympic status, how will this affect the club moving forward, and do any members of the club have ambitions to compete for Team GB? ZOE: “It’s difficult to say how this will impact us moving forwards. We hope it will give cheerleading more exposure rather than the stereotype it receives currently. We also hope it will bring funding to the sport - allowing for better facilities for clubs, including ourselves, in the future. As for Team GB, we do have a national team Team England, who have been very successful in the past. Cheerleaders from different clubs across England make up the team, and some of our very own Hail athletes have had the privilege of representing the country at the ICU Worlds in previous years.” Follow the club on Instagram @bournemouthelite www.bournemouthelite.com

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NO ALARM CLOCK NEEDED. ___ MY PASSION WAKES ME UP. For more motivational quotes follow Dorset Spotlight on Instagram @dorset_spotlight

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FEATURE

CARAGH ELLIOTT CARAGH’S FENCING SUCCESS Have you ever heard of the Three Musketeers? A tale of friendship, adventure, and swordplay. Fencing is an ancient sport in which two people use sword-like weapons to try and touch each other, which leads to a point.

Caragh, age 8, started her fencing journey with a foil weapon, at the Espada Fencing Club in Bournemouth. She took part in her first club competition at age 9 - and won a bronze medal in the U10s championships. Her passion for the sport developed, and at age 10, she decided to take up another weapon - the sabre. In March 2020, Caragh qualified in both weapons at the Southern Region Qualifiers for the British Youth Championships U12 category. Unfortunately, the event had to be cancelled - due to the pandemic.

Fencing is a fast and explosive sport that has been part of the summer Olympic programme since 1896.

However, Caragh recently qualified again in both weapons; and will compete in May at the British Youth Championships in Sheffield – this time in the U14 category.

The athlete wears protective clothing and is armed with a sword called an epee, foil, or sabre - ready to display their blade and footwork skills in a match.

DS KIDS-XANDER: Hi Caragh, what made you decide to take up fencing, compared to others sports like netball, hockey, and athletics?

Dorset Spotlight’s Junior Reporter – Xander Exley, age 11, chats to Caragh Elliot, age 12, about her love of fencing and her achievements within the sport.

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CARAGH: “After watching the characters fencing in the Disney series Miraculous. I asked my mum and dad if I could try it. I have tried lots of sports, but I love this.”

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DS KIDS-XANDER: Tell us about your fencing sword? What is the difference between a foil and a sabre? Which do you prefer to use? CARAGH: “I started fencing using a foil weapon as it is the smallest and lightest. You can only get points by hitting the chest area. The big difference between the weapons is that the sabre has a shield to protect your hand. I prefer fencing with my sabre, as the target area is everywhere above the waist - it is fun and more aggressive.”

DS KIDS-XANDER: Can you explain the fencing rules and how you know you have won a match? CARAGH: “Electric wires plug into my sabre weapon, run through my protective jacket, and attach to a scoring box. When someone gets hit, the box records it. Depending on your age, you score by - first to 5 points, first to 10 points etc.”

DS KIDS-XANDER: Best of luck at the British Youth Championships. Do you think one day we will see you at the Olympics? CARAGH: “Thank you. I enjoy fencing, and I hope to do well enough to be at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, USA.”

CARAGH ELLIOT

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ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE For more motivational quotes follow Dorset Spotlight on Instagram @dorset_spotlight dorsetspotlight.co.uk

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FAMILY COACH JASMINE NAVARRO I CAN'T RAISE MY HAND IN CLASS! Children and young adults face many pressures that can affect their confidence and self-esteem - such as bullying, social media, exams, and family problems, to name a few. So, what can parents do to help their loved ones build confidence and develop a positive image of themselves?

Jasmine: “During my experience coaching teens and young adults one-to-one and going into schools and universities giving workshops, the common theme I found with teens is they don't feel good enough; not good enough at school - not getting high enough grades, not thin enough, not good looking enough, not strong enough, not clever enough; which can lead to them to feeling worthless, and a downward spiral of negative self-talk can lead to feelings of disconnect and loneliness which all have a huge impact, and it just goes on.” DS: What advice can you give to parents struggling with teens that have confidence issues?

Dorset Spotlight had the pleasure of chatting with Jasmine Navarro, a certified family coach and qualified teacher.

Jasmine: “Providing a safe space for your teen to be seen and heard can be a great start and having a conversation with them and respecting their opinion can go a long way.

Jasmine uses her 17 years of international work experience to help teens and young adults build self-confidence. Her 12-week interactive programme has gone down a storm in local schools and universities. Her workshops create a safe space for teens and young adults to connect, share, and express through kindness, creativity, and humour.

Stepping back and simply listening, asking open questions instead of offering solutions, and letting your teen come up with their own answers. Support their efforts instead of criticising them. Try not to compare them to other siblings, as this can lead your teen to question their abilities.

DS: Hi Jasmine, from your experience, in working with teens and young adults, what are the most common issues they tend to have about themselves?

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Encourage their progress over perfection. If your teen is not making mistakes, they are not trying anything new. When things don’t go to plan, there is always a chance to learn from it and to develop - that’s why it’s so valuable. Be honest about how you feel with your teen, and encourage them to share their feelings, reminding them that whatever they’re feeling is okay and that there are no right or wrong feelings.” dorsetspotlight.co.uk

DS: Could you share any tools or techniques to help with building selfconfidence? Jasmine: "Words matter - Watch the words you use with them, as they will have an impact, so use them wisely - complement rather than criticise. Use kind words to support, reassure and encourage them, even if you don't agree with their choices. e.g., You can do this; you will do this; there is always a way; keep going; try etc. Encourage your teen to write positive affirmations (their own words) in places they look at each day - on the mirror, in their phone etc. Words can be powerful and using the right words can really uplift your teen. If they say they can’t do something, chat with them using open questions What can you do right now? How can you do it? What small step can you take today to help you towards achieving it? Do you know what they love? Ask them - What do they enjoy? How much time do they spend doing the things they love? A self-esteem journal can help children and teens to start reflecting on the positive aspects of themselves, as well as the things they experience each day. You can use journal prompts to improve self-esteem and get to know yourself on a deeper level. The more often you journal to improve selfesteem, the better your relationship with yourself will be. Example: Children and teens can use these Self Esteem Journal prompts as a guide for structuring their journaling each night. Monday: One thing I was great at today… Something I found fun… I admire how… Remember to laugh! Can your teen remember a moment when they genuinely laughed today? How did they feel at that moment? Everyone knows that laughter is the best medicine. Did you know….? Laughter is a potent endorphin releaser Laughter contagiously forms social bonds Laughter fosters brain connectivity Laughter is central to relationships Laughter has a similar effect to antidepressants Laughter protects your heart Laughing and smiling makes us feel good. When you feel good, you give off and receive positive energy, which helps builds self-confidence. Encourage your teen to go out with their friends and have some fun.” For more information on how you can help your teen with their selfconfidence, visit Jasmine's website www.withnava.com

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Upcoming Charity Events Dorset Spotlight, May/ june 2022 32

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CHARITY

Fantastic Fundraisers

CHARITY

FOCUS

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CHARITY FOCUS

FOREST HOLME HOSPICE Tucked away in the centre of Poole in Dorset, sits Forest Holme Hospice, which provides individually tailored and quality care to adults across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck facing a lifelimiting illness. Forest Holme is part of Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust and is supported by Forest Holme Hospice Charity. There is no charge for people in need of hospice care, so every year the charity needs to raise at least £950,000 to help enhance the NHS provision at the hospice and ensure that Forest Holme is there for patients and their family and friends during the most difficult time of their lives. Forest Holme provides end of life care and support to more than 1,000 people each year with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses such as Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s, heart disease and respiratory illness. The hospice has a team of specialist doctors, nurses, counsellors and specialist care teams who provide practical and emotional support for adults of all ages and their families in a variety of settings, such as their own home, nursing home, care home, in hospital or in the hospice itself. dorsetspotlight.co.uk

Forest Holme also offer counselling and bereavement support to both newly diagnosed individuals and family members, as it understands that care extends beyond physical treatment of symptoms, as the emotional, psychological, spiritual and social needs of patients, their families, children and carers all need to be considered.

However, to ensure that these essential services are there for others in the future, Forest Holme Hospice Charity needs continued local community support to raise an additional 1.9 million pounds over the next two years. Additional funding is required to support all aspects of the hospice including the in-patient ward, the purchasing of specialist equipment, the funding of additional staffing posts, complementary therapies, and the bereavement counselling service. Visit www.forestholmehospice.org.uk

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Fantastic Fundraisers Maria Thomas-Luker raises £1500 for Forest Holme Hospice Poole resident, Maria, completes the 26.2 mile Ultra Winter Walk in London and Easter 50km in Windsor.

Tim Ellis (66) & Edgar Ette (65) Both from Portland Aiming to raise £4,000 for Julia’s House by kayaking 400 miles from Land’s End to Thames Estuary

Cat raises £1,750 for Diverse Abilities After a few years of postponed attempts, Cat, the Diverse Abilities marketing manager, took on the Southampton Marathon in April and raised £1,750 for the disability charity.

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Fantastic Fundraisers Kieran Masters raises £1,010 for Dorset Blind Association After turning 16 (the minimum age to do a skydive from 15,000 ft), Kieran from Weymouth was desperate to do a skydive and support Dorset Blind Association as his Auntie Amy suffers from sight issues.

Joe Day raised £6,000 for local charities Joe, from Poole instructed an incredible 24 sessions in 24 hours at Forest Fit Club and raised £6,000 for Forest Holme Hospice, Macmillan Caring Locally and Friends of PICU.

Steve Howard raises £2,107.63 for Dorset Blind Association (so far!) Stephen is a long-term fundraiser and supporter of Dorset Blind Association. His last challenge was a Land's End to John O'Groats but also incorporating the Three Peaks Challenge! And if that wasn't testing enough, he did it solo and unsupported - meaning he had to carry all his kit, equipment, medical supplies, food, and water. He successfully raised £1,276 for the charity. Land's End/Three Peaks Challenge - £1,276 Namib Desert (ultra-marathon): £160 TransAmerica solo cycle: £421.63

Patagonia (ultra-marathon): £250

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Fantastic Fundraisers Pete Thompson raises £7,679.86 for Dorset Mind Pete completes 48 park runs in 48 hours for Dorset Mind charity.

Footlight Performance Academy raises £407.50 for Dorset Mind The Wimborne based dance and performing arts academy raised money for Dorset Mind through their "You are not alone" dance film.

Claire & Lucy are fundraising for Diverse Abilities Claire and Lucy, both part of the fundraising team at Diverse Abilities, will be taking on the Jurassic Coast Challenge over the weekend of the 14th and 15th May to raise vital funds. Claire will be taking on the full 100km continuous trek, while Lucy is participating in the 25km Corfe Castle loop.

Congratulations to all the Fantastic Fundraisers who have been raising money for our Dorset charities, your support and generosity is greatly appreciated.

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Upcoming Charity Events Julia's House Hospice Hospice Open Gardens Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 May 2022 10.30am – 3.30pm Entrance £4 (Children free)

Julia’s House is opening up the gardens of its Dorset (Broadstone) and Wiltshire (Devizes) hospices to visitors as part of the National Garden Scheme. You’ll be able to visit both hospices on 7 May and the Devizes hospice will also be open on 8 May. It’s a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes at Julia’s House and enjoy the beautiful gardens which are maintained by the charity’s team of volunteers. Tea, coffee and cake will be available throughout the day for a small donation, as well as a plant sale. Due to COVID restrictions entrance is limited to 40 people per day. Should current restrictions change visitors will be welcomed on the day and guided tours will be available. Please book early at www.juliashouse.org/events or check with Julia’s House before visiting to avoid disappointment.

Julia’s House Jurassic Coast Trek Sunday 26 June 2022 Entry: 13 miles £15, 26 miles £20 Entrance £4 (Children free)

Take your hiking to new heights with a marathon or half marathon trek along the spectacular Jurassic Coast in aid of Julia’s House children’s hospice. Celebrate your epic achievement with a glass of prosecco and a hog roast in the magnificent grounds of Harry Warren House, looking out over Old Harry Rocks and the beautiful Studland beach. Choose from a 26 mile or 13 mile route through beautiful countryside and one of the most scenic sections of the South West Coast Path. Your entry includes fundraising support, ideas and tips, support walkers and a fully sign-posted route, first aid and medical support, refreshment stops with water and snacks, free hog roast at the finish line, a glass of prosecco to celebrate, a medal for all finishers and a Julia’s House t-shirt. To sign up visit www.juliashouse.org/events dorsetspotlight.co.uk

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Upcoming Charity Events Forest Holme Hospice Join in the fun and take part in one of the fantastic events run by Forest Holme Hospice, in Poole. Challenge yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone to raise money for an incredible hospice. Ready to sign up... Check out the fundraising page on the Forest Holme Hospice website. www.forestholmehospice.org.uk

Dorset Blind Motor Show 2022 2022 sees a welcome return for the South's most picturesque automotive event. Hosted by Dorset Blind Association at Lulworth Castle, sponsored by Hendy Group, the standout motor event in the Dorset calendar takes place on Sunday 18th September. Do you own a classic, sports or other motor vehicle and would like to be part of the Dorset tour and showground display? Entry is only £12 per person, including tour entry and route information, showground display, breakfast roll and hot drink at registration and exclusive entry to Lulworth Castle. The showground will be open, free of charge, to the general public from 11:00 am, offering a family fun day with live entertainment, kids’ fun area, food stalls, beer tent and local craft stalls. For more information about the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show, please call 01202 712865, email fundraising@dorsetblind.org.uk or go to https://dbamotorshow22.eventbrite.co.uk www.dorsetblind.org.uk. Dorset Spotlight, May/ June 2022 39

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Upcoming Charity Events Coastal Tab Join us on this walk around the stunning Purbecks on 11th June, looping around to the Royal Marines Commando Memorial where we will lay poppies in memory of John Thornton. Raising funds as you walk for our two brilliant charities the John Thornton Young Achievers Fund and MY Time. Helping two local charities recover and continue their outstanding work with young adults and children. Make a real difference to young people, give them the opportunities and support they deserve and help them to reach higher. Link to website: https://jkhousetrainingcentre.co.uk/events/c oastal-tab/ Link to Documentary on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NsNMB2wd2T4

Hoburne Group Support Charity Golf Day Join us at Bulbury Woods Golf Club for Hoburne’s Charity Golf Day. Date: Friday 15th July - 9am Tea/Coffee and Bacon Roll - 10.00am Shotgun Start Entry Fee: £200 per team of four (£50 each) Maximum handicap allowance: Men 28, Ladies 36 Teams of four, best two scores per hole to count What’s included: Tea/coffee and Bacon Roll on arrival 18 Holes of Golf BBQ after golf Prizes for: Nearest the Pin, Longest Drive, Beat the Pro Comps

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Upcoming Charity Events Dorset Mind The Mental Health Awareness Week Support Booth at The Dolphin Centre Poole Confidential spaces where visitors can receive mental health guidance from Dorset Mind Active Monitoring practitioners. 11th May 12pm-2pm & 14th May 10am-3pm

Music and Mindfulness workshop at Eco Hub 1st Floor Dolphin Centre Join Dorset Mind Ambassador, Calvin Glen for music and mindfulness sessions. From 10am-3pm on 14th May

Dorset Mind DRAGON BOAT TEAMS NEEDED! Teams of 17 Sunday 29th May Sherborne Country Fair 10am-4pm £350 entry + £850 minimum sponsorship More details at dorsetmind.uk/challenges

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