Issue 10

January 2012

Shameem Arnold’s ardent fans in her Moky dance fitness classes are thrilled to hear that she has been chosen as an official torchbearer when the Olympic Torch relay comes to Whitehaven next Summer. She was nominated by her husband and business partner Mat for her passion for dance and encouraging others to get fitter and healthier, but it was personal stories of how Shameem's infectious energy and enthusiasm for life affected the lives of those who flocked to her classes and inspired them to get fitter, happier and healthier, which led to her inspirational journey being recognised formally. Raising people's spirits is more important to her than their fitness levels, she had told Egremont 2Day last April. "People may come in feeling down but I'll smile at them until they smile back." Her personal battle against ME, which left her unable to walk just 2 years ago, is a stark contrast to life for her today, teaching Moky dance fitness classes up to 5 nights a week. Perhaps it was in direct response to her illness that inspired her mission to "make exercise accessible for everyone by using simple fun dance routines anyone can follow.” The classes provide an hour where people can leave their troubles behind. The classes now take place at over 50 venues in 4 counties. It takes someone who knows how tough life can be to inspire others. Her story embodies many aspects of the judging criteria, which include 'a passion for life and living it to the full', 'those who bring happiness to others' and 'those who are shaping the future of our nation'. The route that the torch is taking, through all corners of the UK, is meant to symbolise the benefits not just to the capital but to the whole of the country. Seeing it carried across the land will generate new excitement about, and enthusiasm for, sport everywhere - and inspire more of us to take it up. This matches Shameem’s ambition to take Moky nationwide and make as many people as she can fitter and happier in future. If she does, the people of Egremont and Cleator Moor will not forget that it started with them.
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