Compèring Active Notts 2025: Celebrating Community Power

Last week I had one of those “how did I get here?” moments.

I was invited to compère the Active Notts #MakingOurMove Celebration Event 2025 at the Squire Performing Arts Centre, alongside professional presenter Chris Simon. In the audience were leaders from across the county, including Sport England and This Girl Can — the very organisations shaping the physical activity landscape.

To be trusted to stand on that stage and help lead the evening felt like a huge honour.

The event itself was about something I care deeply about: celebrating the humble, positive and often unseen work happening across Nottinghamshire to keep people moving. Not elite performance. Not aesthetics. Just real people helping other real people stay active, connected and well.

And that work genuinely saves lives.

Movement is about so much more than exercise. It builds confidence, supports mental health, reduces isolation and creates community. The people recognised that night are the heartbeat of that impact.

What made the evening even more special for me was the opportunity to showcase a project I created and feel incredibly passionate about: This Girl Can Nottingham QUEENS.

I started QUEENS to support women from underrepresented groups to upskill and deliver physical activity in their own communities. Because representation in national fitness spaces is still lacking. If women don’t see leaders who look like them, sound like them or share their lived experiences, it becomes harder to believe they belong.

Two of my Queens were selected to get the crowd moving on the night: Samantha “Sunshine” Chamangwana and Rachel from Clubbercise Nottingham — my “Sparkle.” Watching them take that stage with confidence and energy was a real full-circle moment for me.

They are exactly why this project exists.

To stand there, introducing them, knowing how far they’ve come and what they represent, honestly made my heart pop.

I’ll always proudly stand for equality, equity, diversity and inclusion. Not because they’re trendy words, but because they’re necessary. Community fitness should reflect the communities it serves.

Being part of that evening reminded me that change doesn’t always start at the top. It often starts in local halls, community centres and grassroots projects - and then it grows.

And we’re just getting started. 💗

Equality Is Not a Buzzword. It’s the Mission.

When I speak about:

EQUALITY EQUITY DIVERSITY INCLUSION INCLUSIVITY

It’s not corporate jargon.

It’s lived experience.

It’s knowing that some women don’t see themselves reflected in mainstream fitness spaces.

It’s understanding that barriers are real — cultural, financial, social, emotional.

It’s deciding to do something about it anyway.

That’s what This Girl Can Nottingham QUEENS is about.

That’s what my work has always been about.