Personal trainer helping amputees at Aberdeen Sports Village wins prestigious national award

An Aberdeen personal trainer has won a prestigious national award for the life-changing training she gives to amputees.

Tracy Stainer received an “Unsung Hero” recognition at the Variety Club Sports Disability Awards for helping make sport more diverse and inclusive.

The 53-year-old was nominated by her fitness class at Aberdeen Sports Village. She set up the group for amputees with the charity Finding Your feet to support them through a range of sporting initiatives and social inclusion projects.

Tracy Strainer said she was thrilled to show off her winning trophy to the class.

“It’s a really tough competition, so I didn’t expect this to be completely honest. When I got down to the last three finalists that was winning enough for me. I can’t wait to take my award back to Aberdeen to show it to my groups. It’s all about them really.

‘’To be nominated for something like unsung hero seemed a little bit over the top and overwhelming but super chuffed to have won and especially for my group.

“They are the ones who nominated me. It’s amazing to see their progress, to see them coming in, from being like a rabbit caught in the head lights to start with. A gym can be an intimidating place at the best of times but through the weeks you see them get more and more confident and making friends.”

Derek Stephen is one of the regulars who comes to the class. He refuses to let disability stop him from taking part in regular exercise.

‘Tracy, she has done great for us all,” he explained.

“I can’t speak highly enough of her. There’s no one judging you here for what you can or can’t do.

“If I couldn’t come down here it would be terrible. I sat for two years on my sofa doing nothing and seeing no one. It was just terrible so it lifts my spirits as well.”