TV fitness instructor Mr Motivator has made a special appearance at a Tattenhall retirement village.

The TV star was at Gifford Lea to warm up a crowd of over 70 local children and welcome residents and members of Inspired’s senior management after completing their 1,000-mile cycling challenge, to raise £20k for Mind.

Residents at the retirement village have been taking part in a national cycling challenge organised by Inspired Villages, the developer and operator of later living communities behind the retirement complex in Tattenhall.

The Inspired 1,000 Mile Challenge saw a team of the company’s senior management take on a gruelling 500-mile cycle ride, starting at Millbrook Village, its most southerly village in Exeter, and ending at its most northerly village, Gifford Lea, just outside Chester, four days later.

Meanwhile, residents, staff and visitors at Inspired’s retirement villages were invited to make up the remaining 500 miles on static bikes, on foot, in wheelchairs, and even on a horse, all to raise money for charity.

The team has since beat its goal of 1,000 miles and collectively clocked up over 11,000!

Now aged 66, Mr Motivator – real name Derrick Evans – rose to fame in the 1990s after appearing on the breakfast show GMTV as an exercise instructor.

The fitness guru is now a leading health and wellbeing coach, so who better to don his trademark Lycra and join the Inspired 1,000 Mile Challenge. After pedalling to the finale, Mr Motivator praised the team and everyone who took part in the challenge across the whole Inspired community.

He said: “This was a fantastic event and a great achievement for everyone involved, whether they cycled 100 miles or a mile. It shows what people can achieve when we motivate and encourage each other to get moving.

“Exercise is so powerful; it can help us all to live happy, healthy lives – whatever our age. I should know because I’m in my 60s and I feel better than ever.

“Being active gives you a sense of achievement, keeps your mind and body healthy, and is a brilliant way to meet people and socialise. You could go for a walk with friends, join an exercise class or a cycling group – the important thing is that you find something you enjoy.

“It’s clear that everyone – including myself – had a lot of fun taking part in this challenge, which has inspired so many people to come together and move their bodies.”

Jamie Bunce, CEO of Inspired Villages, said: “We are committed to improving the physical, social and mental wellbeing of our residents across the UK. The 1,000 Mile Challenge is a fantastic way to drive forward Inspired’s health and wellbeing agenda and this week has been an incredible experience for all involved”.

To find out more visit www.inspiredvillages.co.uk/events/1000-mile-challenge. Donations to MIND can be made via Inspired’s Just Giving page.