Take a look at Wigan care home's new gym named after rugby legend Billy Boston
A care home has launched a new gym named after Wigan’s most famous rugby player.
The Boston Active fitness suite at the Langtree Care Home at Standish aims to promote health and wellbeing among residents.
Boston Active is aptly named after Sir Billy Boston, the Welsh Rugby League legend who spent the best part of his career playing for Wigan Warriors.
Sadly, Sir Billy and his family were unable to attend due to ill health, but the home’s new gym was unveiled by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and MP for Wigan, Lisa Nandy, alongside Celia Worthington, a resident at the home and a self-proclaimed Boston fan!
And it is hoped that the recently knighted RL legend will be able to take a tour round the premises at a later date.
Langtree Care Home is part of the Millennium Care Group, a family-run and B Corp-accredited care provider with three decades of experience in the North West.
The home is part of the Standish Care Village based on Chorley Road and comprises three homes offering different care needs.
Boston Active will add another layer of support to residents within the village, with all residents from across the Millennium Care Group able to utilise the fitness suite.
Fitness and movement provide great benefits for older people, improving mental health and wellbeing alongside the positive benefits for the body.
Designed with the help of Fredery Kery, a neuro athletics coach, Boston Active is equipped with state-of-the art equipment that is suitable for people of all fitness levels, and the staff have been trained to effectively deliver one-to-one sessions with residents.
Ms Nandy said: “In terms of the demographic profile within the borough, we have a real challenge of meeting dementia needs. Langtree is lovely and doesn’t feel like an institution at all.
“It’s a really special facility providing a home and incredible care to people across our borough. It’s been an absolute pleasure to see it and have the chance to open Boston Active in honour of one of Wigan’s greatest.”
Denise Bristow, manager of Langtree Care Home, said: “We’re delighted to have officially opened Boston Active; the fitness suite will provide a great outlet for residents and staff.
"To have another amenity of this quality in the home is absolutely fantastic, and I can’t wait to see the benefits it brings to our residents.
“It’s been great welcoming the Rt Honourable Lisa Nandy to our home, we hope she enjoyed her visit and can see the benefits that we’re delivering in the care village.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Sir Billy and his family when the time is right for them.”
The innovative Langtree Care Home caters for residents with dementia and nursing needs and joined two other homes on its Standish site earlier this year, creating the Standish Care Village.
The Village is also home to Lakeside Care Home and Worthington Lake Care Home, which cater for varying needs, providing a continuity like no other in the region.