Sheffield 82-year-old’s daily driveway workouts in social isolation

Since the death of his wife in October last year, Derek - who is now social distancing from his family and friends - is currently spending all of his time alone, unable to do any of the activities he enjoys.

But in true Sheffield-grit style, the Gleadless pensioner is determined to do what he can to keep himself going, launching a daily workout routine on his driveway.

And now Derek is hoping to encourage his neighbours to join him in his ‘head to toe’ routine, in a bid to keep communications between them all going, and to keep them moving.

“The weather is beautiful,” Derek said today, as he stretched on his driveway in the sunshine.

“It’s a bit chilly in the mornings, but by lunchtime it’s beautiful, and I feel better after I’ve had some fresh air.

“I lost my wife in October last year, and so I just try to keep myself busy. I usually play walking football, golf, go to the gym, but I can’t do any of that right now, so I wanted to find something I could do every day.

“I’m not interfering with my neighbours space, they’re 30 or 40 metres away, so I hope they’ll come and join me on their own driveways.”

Derek does most of his workout without any aid, though he also has a chair and a step he can introduce for parts of his exercise routine, as well as some sdumbbells.

“There’s no reason people can’t do it in their own gardens or living rooms if they prefer, if people are shy, and maybe they’ll think I’m making a fool of myself out here, but I don’t think so, and I hope they’ll join me.”