20 Years of Saints Foundation: Jon's Story

By Saints Foundation Media time Mon 13 Sep Saints Foundation News

After Saints Goal helped him change his lifestyle, Jon decided to give back to Saints Foundation – jumping on his bike and raising £40k for charity.

In 2017, Jon decided to make a change in his life. His office job had led to him putting on weight and he felt a general lack of motivation to exercise and eat healthily – but finding out about our Saints Goal project was the kick he needed to turn things around.

Our targeted programme of support helped Jon lose weight, change lifestyle habits and also improve his mental wellbeing. The camaraderie on the course helped drive Jon on, and he found a great sense of community with his fellow participants.

“Saints Goal helped me feel more confident in myself,” he told us. “I found a new desire to live a much healthier life.” 

IMG 9363
Jon participating in Saints Goal's circuit exercises

The transformation Jon experienced left him wanting to give back to Saints Foundation, so he put his newfound fitness to good use by signing up for our Big Bike Challenge in 2018. The epic 300 mile adventure saw Jon and his fellow riders cycle all the way from Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium back to St Mary’s Stadium across 3 days.

“It was a huge personal triumph for me,” Jon said, “I got to see parts of the UK you wouldn’t usually get to see if you travelled up in the car. Plus, like I did with Saints Goal, I found a community in my fellow riders – I’ve made friends for life.”

7
Jon meets Saints legends James Beattie and Wayne Bridge on the Big Bike Challenge

Jon only took up cycling to take part in the Big Bike Challenge but he quickly found a passion for the pedals. He’s now a British Cycling Rider Leader and volunteers on guided rides around Hampshire. “It’s a great way to keep fit and motivated.”

He also stepped up for the 2019 Big Bike Challenge as a ride leader, fronting a journey even further north from Huddersfield and enduring awful weather along the way. Jon’s fundraising for both Saints Foundation and other charities has amassed around £40,000 in just over 2 years – all prompted by the change he made with the support of Saints Goal.

4
"I've made friends for life" – Jon and his fellow Big Bike Challenge riders

“I’ve had massive support from the Saints fans online,” Jon said, “We have a hugely supportive and friendly community who always put their hands in their pockets and support me through all my training and fundraising events.

“My positive experience with Saints Goal has also led to people around me wanting to take on the programme, and it’s fantastic to see them taking up a healthy lifestyle after going on their own journey with the Foundation.

saints foundation is a fantastic asset to the city and a credit to the southampton fc badge.

jon
saints goal participant

This season, we’re celebrating 20 years of transforming lives like Jon’s. You can help us continue to offer life-changing projects like Saints Goal by joining us on our 5k charity walk, We March Together, on Saturday 9th October.

march with us

Interested in Saints Goal? Our programme aims to set targets and change lifestyles for men with a BMI over 30. Find out more below.

saints goal
Benali On Tour raises £16k for Saints Foundation
Saints Foundation News

Benali On Tour raises £16k for Saints Foundation

Francis Benali’s challenge comeback saw him trek the South Downs Way with 30 fellow fundraisers.

time20 hours ago
Sam McQueen joins the Saints Big Bike Challenge Anfield to St Mary’s: Saints Big Bike Challenge back for 2023
Match Pack: West Ham vs Saints
West Ham vs Saints

Match Pack: West Ham vs Saints

Everything you need to know ahead of Sunday's showdown.

timeJust now
Press Conference (part two): Sellés previews West Ham B Team Report: Saints survive scare to defeat Derby