Mark defies the odds to continue playing the sport he loves

Since its re-launch in October 2021, our Over 50’s Senior Club session has been growing and growing. It consistently reaches its capacity of 20+ attendees in 2 sessions that run every week on a Tuesday & Friday, which has now led to us recently adding a 3rd session on a Wednesday.  

This session enables adults over the age of 50 to come to the centre and enjoy a variety of different sports including Table Tennis, Badminton, Pickleball & Indoor Bowls, regardless of their ability. It has also created a strong community group, in which many friendships have been formed through their love of sport and staying active. In fact, you will often see a large group of them enjoying a coffee together in the café after the session has finished! 

Over the last few years, we have been lucky enough to get to know many of the session’s participants and also hear plenty of stories about their own fitness journeys, as well as learning about how much this session has been a huge benefit to their physical health & mental wellbeing as individuals.  

Mark Richardson is a wheelchair user and has been a regular booker of our Over 50’s Senior Club Session at One NK since its initial launch and now attends all 3 sessions weekly. Mark is a very keen Badminton player, and a very good one at that! So, he enjoys being able to come to these sessions and play the sport he loves.  

Back in 1990 Mark suffered a terrible accident when he was struck by a car that was travelling 70mph. Miraculously he survived, but he was left with life-changing injuries which required 30 major operations, 5 of which were lifesaving emergency surgeries and to this day, he still requires daily physiotherapy for his shoulder and legs. His injuries also left him with partially paralyzed limbs which resulted in him needing to use a wheelchair for much of his day-to-day activities. This obviously had a huge impact on his mental health and his ability to exercise in the way he once did.  

However, Mark refused to let this stand in his way, and he began coming to our Senior’s Club session! Mark says that; 

‘’The sessions have improved my mental health drastically. Being part of an able-bodied group and taking part in sport means everything to me. It does take a lot to go and be the only disabled person, but our group is so fantastic and full of amazing friendly people. I would recommend to anyone disabled who loves sport to come and take part.’’  

Mark is very popular amongst the members with his enthusiasm, kindness and his overall love for sport, which contributes brilliantly to the fantastic community feel that this club has! 

Our Senior's Club Session runs every Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday and is bookable via the Better UK app'