Monday of this week marked the first anniversary of the passing of Iain Purslow, who sadly collapsed here at the Toughsheet Community Stadium during our home game against Cheltenham Town on 13th January, 2024.
It was a deeply upsetting time for all of Iain’s family, and especially for son Stuart who had come to the match with his dad, a lifelong supporter of Wanderers.
For the nearest game to this difficult anniversary, club chairman Sharon Brittan has invited Iain’s family to be her guests for the day for Saturday’s home fixture against Cambridge United and all of us connected with Bolton Wanderers share our thoughts and condolences with the family at this time.
Sharon said: “Ian and his family will forever be a part of the Bolton Wanderers’ family. His memory serves as a reminder of the incredible bond we share with our supporters and we are committed to honouring his legacy through our continued dedication to the well-being of our community."
Since losing Iain, the Purslow family has been very keen to encourage everyone to look after themselves and to get their health checked. Around World Heart Day last year, we also dedicated an additional defibrillator in Iain’s name in our Well-Being Hub, located next to the ticket office at the stadium.
In our Well-Being Hub on Saturday, staff of Bolton Wanderers in the Community (BWiTC), alongside some of our working partners, will be offering well-being and health checks, including blood pressure monitoring, as well as directing people to organisations who can offer additional support.
Among the many programmes run by BWiTC there are a number which can help people looking to try and improve their well-being and fitness, including the health of their hearts, as we start a new year. Details are available at the bottom of this article.
Meanwhile, we continue to think of Iain and his family and will continue to offer them our love and support and assistance with their desire to help others.
BWitC health promotion activities held at the Toughsheet Community Stadium
Active Wanderers
Monday morning: light exercise session
Monday evening: walk and talk session
Wednesday evening: two circuit sessions
Monthly Workshops
Our Active Wanderers promo video can be found at https://youtu.be/aG1yA3qDiyI
Extra-Time Hub
Tuesday morning: Over-55s’ light exercise and social session
Thursday Morning: Over- 55s’ light exercise and social session
Team Talk
Male only Wellbeing session
Carers' Project
Monthly coffee mornings, yoga and mindfulness sessions
For more information on all of these sessions, please contact hranicar@bwitc.org.uk