A KEEP-fit coach from Ruislip is nominated for a UK Coaching Award, for her work during the pandemic supporting older people to maintain an active lifestyle.

Alice Tribedi is one of 25 finalists.

As a professional dancer with a foot injury, she was told she would never walk again – yet, after hard work, training and gaining her qualifications, she actively coaches dance/exercise for those from 60 to 93.

For eight years, she has been running classes tailored specifically for the over-60s of all abilities in her community.

The pandemic forced her to re-invent her classes, moving to online delivery to ensure she was still able to support her class, many of whom were isolating during lockdown.

Alice provided her classes free for several months, focusing on flexibility, balance, motor skills and cardio-vascular exercise.

She continues to be involved with numerous charities, including Swimathon, Race for Life and Macmillan Cancer Support.

She said: “I was once told by a specialist I might not walk properly ever again and that I had to give up professional dancing.

“Now, here I am, so lucky to have been selected to be a finalist and for doing a job I absolutely adore.

“Out of an extremely challenging time eventually came the opportunity to do something I had always wanted to do, which was work with older and disabled people and to coach dance and exercise, to help them.

“One member, Beryl, who is 93, comes every week without fail on the bus. It is so affirming to know people really enjoy what you do.”

The awards will be announced in December.

ukcoaching.org