Jo Weedall, who works at BH Live Active Littledown, has been shortlisted as a Physical Activity Hero finalist in the 2025 ukactive awards.
The ukactive awards is one of the UK’s largest awards ceremonies for the fitness and physical activity sector.
The awards celebrate both the industry and the people who power it.
Ms Weedall was selected from hundreds of nominations across the country.
She was chosen for her dedication to improving lives through physical activity and making the community leisure centre a safe space for all.
Littledown stalwart shortlisted for dedication to community fitness (Image: James Bridle) With more than 36 years of leisure experience, Ms Weedall joined Littledown as a lifeguard when the centre first opened in 1989.
Her career has spanned many roles, including duty manager, recreation supervisor, and recreation manager.
Her work now covers other BH Live Active centres and she works tirelessly with her team to make them safe places to enjoy sport and leisure.
One of her responsibilities is making sure her team is trained to high standards to provide a fast response when things don’t go as planned.
This includes injuries and responding to unexpected health issues.
She ensures regular team drills, intensive training to industry standards and simulations are conducted.
Recreation manager recognised as Physical Activity Hero contender (Image: James Bridle) This dedication and hard work save lives.
Over her career, she has directly performed more than 10 successful resuscitations and supervised many more.
Last year, Ms Weedall was personally commended by the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance for her “rapid” and “outstanding” administration of CPR and defibrillation to a visitor who experienced cardiac arrest at the centre.
Ms Weedall said: “I’m so pleased to be named a finalist for the Physical Activity Hero category at the ukactive Awards.
“This recognition reflects the incredible support I’ve received from colleagues, partners and the community.”
Rob Cunningham, director of leisure and business development at BH Live, said: “We are all so thrilled for Jo and are immensely proud of what she has achieved over her career.
“This nomination reflects the positive difference Jo has made to people’s lives.”
The winner of the Physical Activity Hero award will be announced on Thursday, October 30.