A man is on a mission to make his town the fittest in the country through a health-boosting event aimed at all ages and abilities.
Tim Howe, from Swindon in Wiltshire, founded The Longevity Games, a community-based event which includes six exercises known for their life-extending properties.
The games run four times a year, alongside free weekly classes, which include functional exercises that mimic everyday movements.
Leigh Jackson, 40, from Swindon said taking part has been “life changing” for him after his doctor told him he could stop taking a blood pressure medication and had healed a damaged heart valve with the exercise and healthier living.
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Jackson said his physical and mental health went downhill during the pandemic and was eventually admitted to hospital with a “stroke risk” blood pressure reading.
“I was also binge eating and was at 104.7kg (231lbs) in 2024. I was put on four different high blood pressure medications,” he said.
“I had to make a change.”
He then undertook a 12-week health programme, but said he was at a “crossroads” when it ended.
He then met Howe at a market and took part in the Longevity Games and training.
“I eventually passed the intermediate stage. I was at training one day and felt faint.
“That’s when the doctor told me I could stop taking one of my blood pressure meds. It’s been life-changing,” he added.
“The thing we want to do is to give everybody a chance,” said Howe.
The Games has three levels – novice, intermediate and proficient – and combines essential functional movements like running, walking, squats, lunges, and burpees.
“One of the big things that’s happening in society, is people are not aging well, which is having an impact in social care in the NHS.”
According to Sports England, community sport and physical activity generated around £122.9bn in ‘social value’ across England in 2023/24.
Howe said he has noticed drastic improvements in some participants, including one person who no longer has type 2 diabetes and another who was able to taper off his blood pressure medication, with the approval of his doctor.
‘Making a difference’
The Longevity Games has also been praised by local councillors, GPs and Sports England.
Last week, he received the Pride of Swindon award for his “tireless volunteer work” running a free community exercise group in Tadpole Garden Village.
A Pride of Swindon spokesperson said his “passion” has helped participants improve their physical and mental health.
Swindon Mayor Fay Howard said Howe has been “making a difference” to people’s lives: “The more active we keep for longer, the better for us and the better for the taxpayer.”
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