When Laura (38) and her mum Karen (65), both from Kimberworth, first walked through the doors at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, they had no idea it would become a turning point for their health, confidence and daily lives.

Their journey with United in Health began almost by accident. Laura’s daughter, a student at Lincoln University, was researching wellbeing hubs and community spaces for an architecture project. That search led Laura and Karen to Rotherham United Community Trust, and to a cooking class at the stadium.

“We thought, let’s just go and have a look,” Laura explains. “We started with the cooking sessions, then we were told about the fitness classes, and before we knew it, we were signing up for the 12-week programme.”

For Karen, the timing could not have been better. She was under the care of Rotherham Hospital for coronary issues and had been advised to exercise more and lose weight.

“A couple of weeks after the doctor told me that, we found this programme,” she says.

“It felt like everything had happened for a reason.”

What encouraged them to commit was not just the activities, but the people.

“We met Jessie through the fitness classes, and she made us feel so comfortable,” Laura says. “She was encouraging, supportive, and never intimidating. When she asked if we wanted to join the programme, we didn’t even hesitate.”

Karen agrees: “It was a definite yes. It didn’t feel like a gym or a personal trainer, it felt welcoming. There were people of all ages, sizes and abilities, which made it feel accessible.”

Both women joined with similar hopes: to lose weight, improve their fitness, and feel better mentally.

Before starting, Laura says she was stuck in a rut, active at work but struggling with binge eating, low motivation and poor mental health. Karen’s lifestyle had become increasingly inactive, and living alone made it easy to slip into unhealthy habits.

“I wanted more of a social life,” Karen explains. “Not just sitting at home.”

As the weeks passed, the changes became impossible to ignore.

Karen’s physical health improved dramatically. “Even getting up the stairs was agony before,” she says. “Now it’s much easier. And because of the exercise and healthier eating, my blood pressure has come down so much that my doctor has taken me off my tablets.”

Laura experienced equally powerful changes, especially mentally.

“I broke most of one side of my body in an accident a couple of years ago,” she explains. “When physio ended, I didn’t know what to do next and I was still in pain. This programme helped me get past that what now? stage.”

She went from being unable to hold a plank due to weakness, to completing one confidently. “The first time I did it, I was so proud. It made me realise I could do things again.”

Both women lost weight, gained energy, and rebuilt their relationship with food, learning about portion control, planning meals, and making healthier choices without guilt.

“It’s not about being perfect,” Laura says. “If you have a weekend where you don’t do much, you just get back on it.”

Doing the programme together has been key.

“It’s the accountability,” Karen laughs. “If Laura hadn’t put my name down, I wouldn’t be here.”

“You don’t want to let the staff down,” Laura adds. “Or each other.”

The encouragement from staff like Dan and Jessie, alongside the WhatsApp group and peer support, helped keep them motivated without judgement.

“It’s not like other weight-loss groups where you feel put on the spot,” Karen says. “Even if I’d had a bad week, I’d never feel like I shouldn’t come.”

Living well, not just being healthy.

For Laura and Karen, United in Health has become about more than fitness.

“It gives structure and purpose,” Laura explains. “Instead of finishing work and sitting down, we cook, we go to sessions, it gives you the right to feel good about yourself.”

Karen agrees: “It improves your physical health, your mental health, and your social life. It’s the whole package.”

Their message to others is simple: “It’s free, it’s local, and there are no catches,” Karen says. “There’s no reason not to try.”

To find out more about United In Health, or RUCT’s Health & Wellbeing sessions please email health@ruct.co.uk.