At YMCA North Tyneside we pride ourselves on being a community who support each other, no matter a person’s background or situation. Encouraging people to be themselves often leads to remarkable things. This story of one of our members proves that to be very true indeed. 

Rhys*, who has Down Syndrome and Autism, has been attending our popular Thursday night Clubbercise classes with his mum and dad for years now. Initially Rhys would sit in the stairwell with his dad, ear-defenders on, while waving a glowstick given to him by Donna, our Gym Manager – that was all he was comfortable with. Step by step over the course of 2-3 years, Rhys made it into the Main Hall and even began to participate in the dancing. It was just a few songs at first and now Rhys is up at the front of the class, without ear defenders, bopping away to the beat. 

Along with his parents, we are so proud of how far Rhys has come and we love seeing how happy and chatty he is when he’s surrounded by other members in the Clubbercise classes. Long may it continue!