Breaking boundaries with ParalympicsGB

A partnership with purpose

Since 2022, we’ve been on a mission to strengthen the exceptional skill and determination of our Paralympians. From funding athletes to keeping them feeling happy and healthy, we’re helping them reach the top of their game.

But more than that, we’re here to inspire a nation of children and adults of all abilities. Pushing the idea of what’s possible further every single day, this includes supporting people on their own journeys. Helping them be healthy – emotionally and physically – on their way to personal glory.

Two people
share a burning desire
to take control of their physical
and mental wellbeing over the next year
and we're here to support
and cheer them on.
Welcome back to Team Health.
I'm Richard Whitehead,
and today I'm catching up with
Julie in London
who's on her Team Health journey
with Bupa's support.
My big goal is to get fit,
get healthier.
And also seeing how
I can support her.
Clearly, you're looking radiant.
You’re looking
like you’ve made those improvements.
Yeah, last week,
I had my health check with Bupa.
It was really good.
Is this your first time with us? - It is!
So you go in and you get introduced
and they do your blood tests,
height and weight, And then I saw a doctor.
My name is James, the lead physician.
And certainly
because I know you're at the age
where you might be going through the menopause,
and that can really affect your weight and...
Everything.
Other things....
Do you want to talk to me about that?
I've got brain fog.
I used to be able to remember anything.
Libido’s, obviously gone to the floor.
You know, it is a bit of a female battle
because I'm menopausal stage.
I've dieted I've done
health and weight doesn't seem to move.
Very, very hard to lose
weight around the menopause
just with the change in the hormones.
And I find that
probably the hardest thing. Yeah, I mean
It can be so, so hard.
Yeah,
Kind of the overarching thing
to lose weight
is to have a calorie deficit.
So, to be using more calories in a day
than your taking into your body.
Yeah.
So, here are some simple tips I can offer you
for managing your weight
during menopause.
So often it's a lot of portion control -
a wrap rather than a sandwich
because that's going to have fewer calories in it
And having that conversation at home saying,
I'm really trying to do this.
Can we maybe look at...
They have been very good.
The second one I'd say, exercise is very, very good.
I feel better for doing the gym and things definitely
without a doubt, feel better about that.
Even if you lose a couple of pounds here.
that is excellent.
But I have to say, I have lost half a stone, so that’s...
Well done!
It's just beginning to show
and I’m the kind of person that
I need to see some results,
and this has been a big booster now.
Every day is a learning experience
and every day is a new Julie.
Yeah, it was brilliant
I've got some things to work on
which I need your help for.
So I had to go on a bike -
I had to go on a Watt bike
a Watt what?
a Watt bike
and he told me not to be scared.
Okay,
why would you be scared of the Watt bike then?
I don't know, I didn’t know ‘Watt’ it was.
Don't feel like
you are having to force, this new form of you.
You've got an end goal
of every day being better
but treat it as every day
and don't feel that you
you have to really hurry that journey.
Yeah.
Myself as a mentor but also Team Health
are proud of you and what you're doing so...
Bupa has been brilliant.
So, keep on that.

Are you going to do the snap?

Action!

Hi, I'm Ella, and I'm nine years old, Anya - and I'm six.

He has black hair.

He's a fencer.

So the other way around Yeah.

Perfect.

Very kind.

Joyful.

Class of Paralympics GB Mine.

As you know, my name's Ella and my name's Anya.

And we’re gonna ask you a few questions If you don't mind?

Great.

Thank you.

We met earlier but my name's Oliver Lam-Watson I’m a Paralympic wheelchair fencer.

And I'm hoping that your questions aren't too hard and you're not going to grill me too much!

But, yeah, I'm excited.

Let's go!

Do you have any siblings?

Yes, I do.

I've got one brother and two sisters, but they're all older than me, so I'm the youngest.

Did they ever annoy you when you were younger?

Are they going to watch this?

A little bit, maybe.

Anya is my sister.

She talks a lot and she gets up quite early.

Anya.

How old were you when you started fencing?

I actually started fencing really late.

I started after university at 25.

Do you support a football team?

I don't actually watch a lot of sport.

Like I'm not actually a big sports person.

Maybe Arsenal.

Manchester?

Leeds?

Newcastle - is the best team!

They’re one of my favorite teams!

What is your favourite food?

My favourite food I would have to say is my mum's tuna pasta Jalapeños in it - so it’s a little bit spicy and it was absolutely wonderful it was like my comfort meal What about you guys - what do you like?

Chilli wraps!

Chilli wraps?

Like as in - chilli con carne?

It’s chilli, rice.

in a wrap!

Did you like sports when you were younger?

I think sport when I was younger because of my leg and my disability had a great way of.

highlighting my differences and kind of showcasing what I couldn't do compared to some of the other kids.

I was always picked last for the football team and I really hated sport for that reason and I think now it's become a way of me sort of taking back control of my body and my leg again and kind of redefining what's possible living with a disability So, sport’s really given me a lot and it’s changed my life massively.

Have you guys got any more questions for me?