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Jan 13, 2026
A Bannatyne Health Club member from Chafford Hundred is sharing her powerful personal journey to highlight the life-changing impact of inclusive fitness, expert support and community spirit.
Kelly McGregor, 58, first joined Bannatyne Chafford Hundred nearly five years ago, taking what she describes as a daunting first step into an aqua aerobics class. At the time, Kelly weighed 23 stone and was living with the long-term effects of a serious car accident that resulted in five spinal surgeries and a rare spinal cord injury, leaving her disabled and limited in what physical activity she could safely undertake.
Despite those challenges, Kelly found encouragement, understanding and practical support from the Bannatyne team.
Kelly said: “I walked into my first aqua aerobics class feeling embarrassed and deflated, but after that session I felt so much better. I just kept coming back, gradually trying different classes like Zumba, Pound, Pilates and Young at Heart. The trainers always adapted exercises for me, which made all the difference.”
With tailored guidance from instructors and consistent support, Kelly went on to lose more than 10 stone (63kg) over three years, a weight loss she has successfully maintained for the past two years. She now weighs 13 stone and attends the gym as part of her daily routine.
“My condition and back problems are still there,’ Kelly added, ‘but my mental health is so much better. The gym gave me focus, confidence and a new mindset ‘make moves, not excuses’.”
Beyond physical transformation, Kelly says the sense of belonging at Bannatyne Chafford Hundred was equally life-changing. After being medically retired and feeling isolated from her former working life, she formed close friendships with fellow class members.
“We became so close that we call ourselves the Bannatyne Babes,” she said. “That friendship and support gave me a new life and purpose.”
Kelly and her husband relocated to Scotland in August 2025 due to work commitments, but her Bannatyne journey continues at the Group’s Dunfermline club. Duncan Bannatyne, chairman and chief executive of the Bannatyne Group, said:
“Kelly’s story is an inspiring example of what can be achieved with determination, expert support and an inclusive environment. At Bannatyne, we believe fitness and wellbeing should be accessible to everyone, regardless of physical limitations, and stories like Kelly’s show the true power of that approach.”
Kelly added: “Without that first step into the pool and the support of the staff, trainers and the incredible women I met at Chafford Hundred and now at Dunfermline, I genuinely don’t think I’d be where I am today.”
