Raymond using the hand bike at Glasgow Club Tollcross.
Raymond's story
"I remember the Athletes' Village and the big tents in Tollcross Park and seeing all the athletes coming. I think that inspired me to get fit."
Raymond Ward attends disability gym, swim and class sessions at Glasgow Club Tollcross. He lost his sight several years ago and travels from the west end to Tollcross as he likes the gym layout.
He uses all the equipment the gym has to offer, including IFI treadmills and resistance kit, free weights and the rower.
We spoke to him about how the venue has positively impacted his life since the Games and his memories of Glasgow 2014.
Q) You live in the west end now, what makes you come to Glasgow Club Tollcross?
"All the machines are spaced out and good quality. The staff here are excellent and look out for us and in any bad weather, they make sure I’m safe to get home on public transport.
"Before I started, I was over 15 stone before I took up running 20 or 30 years ago. I did my first marathon in 98 or 99 in Glasgow. Now I’m training for the full marathon in Dublin at the end of October."
Q) Did Glasgow 2014 inspire you to get active or try something new?
"Yeah, I joined Red Star Athletics Club for running and also tried the javelin and that was good fun. The Commonwealth Games made me want to get more active."
Q) How has coming to sessions at Glasgow Club Tollcross helped you?
"It’s to get my fitness levels up, I do Park Runs most Saturdays and want to beat my personal best at the local one in Tollcross. My last one was 30 minutes 20 seconds and then I got under 28 minutes, so I was quite happy with that. It was a double achievement because the same week I did my 300th Park Run.
"I used to stay in the area so I’m familiar with the venue and the staff and coaches are excellent. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t up to this level. I joined when I retired from my work and the coaches have improved my fitness level."
Raymond taking part in a gym session at Glasgow Club Tollcross
Raymond on the elliptical machine during a workout.
Raymond using the low row machine.
Q) What are your memories of the Commonwealth Games?
"I remember the Athletes' Village and the big tents in Tollcross Park and seeing all the athletes coming. I think that inspired me to get fit."
Q) You grew up in Tollcross, what impact has the venue had on the local area?
"It’s given everybody another place to get active rather than being glued to a screen. I think it’s done a lot of good and made people a lot of fitter."