KINGSWOOD Active Lifestyle Centre will be missing one of its stalwarts this month.
Sue Green, who has worked there for 37 years, was due to retire on March 31.
Sue, who has inspired generations with her passion for exercise and an unwavering commitment to the people around her, decided to go out with a bang.
On her last day she was planning to lead her Final Farewell Aerobics Class, raising money for the Julian Trust Night Shelter, a charity close to Sue’s heart.
Centre manager Martyn Hinamsaid: “Sue Green is a force of nature – a cornerstone of our community, a source of inspiration, and a powerhouse of positivity.
“For 37 years, she has given her all, not just in fitness but in fostering a spirit of togetherness that has made Kingswood Active Lifestyle Centre feel like home to so many. Her legacy isn’t just in the countless classes she’s taught but in the way she has lifted people up, encouraged them, and built a community that will carry her influence forward for years to come. Thank you, Sue, for everything – you are simply amazing.”
Sue’s journey into fitness started long before the leisure centre even existed.
Sue, who has two children and four grandchildren, said: “I used to go to classes in the council sports hall and loved the people and the fitness. One day, I thought, ‘I could teach this!’”
That simple thought set her on a path that saw her teaching fitness classes before qualifications were required – although she went on to gain all the necessary education.
Since then, she has become an integral part of the centre, not only as a fitness instructor but also as a friendly face behind reception, where she’s welcomed countless members over the years.
She said: “I started doing casual shifts, and then they worked around my classes – it’s funny, I’m still doing those shifts all these years later!”
Beyond her work in fitness, Sue has been a dedicated volunteer at Julian Trust for 12 years, helping to provide shelter, food, and support to people facing homelessness.
Now, as a trustee and supervisor, she has seen firsthand how critical these services are.
She said: “It’s heartbreaking to see how much homelessness has risen. During freezing weather, we can bring more people inside, but the rest of the year, we’re restricted to just 12 beds. The need is huge.”
Determined to make a difference, Sue set up a donation point at Kingswood Active Lifestyle Centre two years ago, collecting food and essential supplies. The response has been overwhelming, with weekly carloads of donations making their way to the shelter.
Jo Brown, trustee at Julian Trust, said: “We depend on the unwavering support of our incredible volunteers like Sue Green.”