Customer Service of the Year: Dave Collins

FITNESS instructor Dave Collins has been nominated for the Customer Service of the Year award, sponsored by Cherry Godfrey.

His nominator, who wished to remain anonymous, said: ‘Last year I took the plunge and began going to exercise classes, with the encouragement and support of my daughter. My first class was with Dave.

‘Without his sensitivity, help and understanding, I would never have continued to keep it up.

‘He makes sure that even those of us who are not athletically built or natural candidates for the classes are made to feel comfortable.’

Dave has worked at Beau Sejour Leisure Centre, both full- and part-time, for around 15 years.

‘His enthusiasm and encouragement is immeasurable. The confidence built up in his classes enabled me to overcome my self-consciousness and even go on to try other classes on my own – something I never would have thought possible.

‘Having suffered with anxiety and depression, I had been told about the positive impact that physical exercise has on these conditions but remained sceptical.

‘However, the benefit has been immense... what a difference a Dave makes.’