Male staff at a Telford Hotel have walked a mammoth one million steps between them over the past week to celebrate national Men’s Health Week – and we are lucky enough to get to write about it!
Bosses at Buckatree Hall Hotel and its two sister properties, Carlton Park Hotel in Rotherham and Shap Wells Hotel in Cumbria, encouraged their staff to put their best foot forward by investing in pedometers and starting a competition.
They wanted to mark the occasion to highlight the importance of men’s health following the death of Julian Parkhurst, General Manager of Shap Wells hotel, who suffered a heart attack almost three years ago.
Each hotel kept track of their own steps and awarded a prize to the most active.
At Buckatree Food and Beverage Supervisor Gavin Gibbs walked the most steps – 170,433 – and was awarded with a £25 cash prize.
Sadly he missed out on top prize of an additional £60 which went to staff member at the Carlton Park Hotel with over 230,000 steps.
Gavin, 37, said: “I really enjoyed being active and it was satisfying to see the steps quickly tallying up on my pedometer. I certainly walked further as I discovered my colleagues were catching up with me.
“Being more active is definitely a good idea. I felt more focused as well as relaxed, just knowing I was not only working but getting some exercise.”
This year’s focus of Men’s Health Week, run by Men’s Health Forum, is the dangers of belly fat, the type of fat that surrounds your vital organs and men are more likely to have it.
Regardless of your overall weight, a large amount of belly fat increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and is a good indicator of a heart condition.
Mr Jenson said: “Our staff have really enjoyed the challenge. We are always keen to encourage staff to exercise and it’s been a fun way to promote a serious concern.
“Sadly we lost the General Manager of Shap Wells hotel almost three years ago after he suffered a heart attack and it really does focus you towards taking action.
“To hear that one in five men die before the age of 65 is shocking – we value the health of our staff and guests and are still campaigning to get a defibrillator based here in case anyone visiting or nearby at the Wrekin is in need of one.
“We will keep raising money for this defibrillator and definitely be taking part in this event again next year.”
For more information about the Buckatree Hotel, see www.buckatreehallhotel.com or call 01952 641821.
If you have staff doing amazing things make sure you shout about it. It shows that your staff care and makes potential clients and customers see the human side of the people they could be working with. Drop our commercial director Kirsty a line on kirsty@jandpr.com to find out more.
