“Be the kind of person you needed when you were struggling”.
That’s the powerful message from two incredible mums who joined Leisure for Life’s Hawthorn Leisure Centre to help manage the challenges they faced raising disabled children – and ended up creating a movement of kindness, friendship and encouragement.
As Hawthorn Leisure Centre celebrate its 50th Anniversary this year, the women – now the best of friends – have spoken out on how small changes can make an even bigger difference than you realise.
Both are testament to the supportive, friendly and nurturing environment at Hawthorn Leisure Centre – which is why the centre and its customers continue to thrive, half a century after its doors opened.
Debbie Jones and Kattie Roberts didn’t know each other when they each had an “I have to do something differently” moment and decided to make personal changes to help them “find” themselves again after years managing the stress and social isolation that can come with caring for a disabled child.
Debbie, of Rhydyfelin, was raising a child with additional needs alone and this, as well as the seemingly-endless lockdowns during Covid-19, left her feeling overwhelmed and isolated, destroying her confidence and sense of self.
Meanwhile in another household, not far away, Kattie, was also raising a child with additional needs and had been feeling lost, low and struggling after losing her job.
Debbie took the “plunge” first and started attending classes at Hawthorn Leisure Centre. As her confidence grew, she started posting challenges and inspirational posts on her social media - catching the attention of Kattie, who asked if she could join in.
Knowing she had someone waiting for her in class was the motivation Kattie needed and she, too, became a regular at Hawthorn Leisure Centre, enjoying fitness classes and gym sessions.
Individually, both women are a force to be reckoned with, but when they bonded as a pair of friends, they created something which has changed the lives of many people.
Not only have they both rediscovered their confidence, their love of movement and their senses of “self” they have also encouraged and inspired others.
There is now a large group of customers, from all walks of life, who come to Hawthorn because they have seen Debbie and Kattie – online or in the centre – and have felt welcomed and able to join in, knowing there will be a friendly face and someone to help when they arrive.
“It’s amazing the difference it makes when you know you have a friendly face to train with in the gym,” said Debbie.
“I started off in fitness classes and I was so nervous. I also did some challenges on my own social media page and other people started seeing them. I developed a bit of a following and people would ask if they could join me in the gym or in a fitness class so they knew they had someone they could exercise with. That’s how I met Kattie and how it all began.”
Kattie added: “I saw Debbie on her social media page. She seemed like such a lovely woman and really positive. When I was made redundant, I was at a loose end and my husband told me to just join the gym, so I did. I felt lost and nervous, I didn’t know anyone.
“I spoke to Debbie and that was it. Now we train together, go to classes together and we have lots of people asking if they can join us, which is brilliant. I never want anyone to feel the way that I did about myself.
“We do challenges, we work out, we laugh and have fun. It’s brilliant. We have a Whatsapp group where we set each other new challenges but, just as important, we are friends to each other, offering support, socialisation and just a place to vent. You never know what people are going through behind their brave faces.
“We have had so many people who have seen us in the centre or in the gym, who have asked if they can join us. We always say yes – the more the merrier!”
Both Debbie and Kattie agree that parenting a child with additional needs is isolating. Parents of disabled children adapt their routines to meet the needs of that child, meaning they miss out on the “traditional” ways of meeting friends, such as school events, sports days, school trips and birthday parties.
The challenges of raising a disabled child, especially alone, mean you often don’t have the time or the respite to be able to join social activities outside of your parenting role.
Debbie explained: “I was in the house on my own for years during the pandemic just me and my daughter. I lost myself. I didn’t know who I was other than “mum” and I didn’t know where to start until I decided to join Leisure for Life.
Kattie added: “I don’t ever want anyone else to feel the way that I did. There is a saying that you should always be the kind person to others who you needed yourself and I stand by that.
“I love the fact we are growing our circle and having so much fun together – there is always room for more so please get in touch if this is something you would like to try.
“We are always in classes or the gym so please don’t let not knowing anyone be a barrier for you. Come in and join us!”
Debbie and Kattie train at Hawthorn Leisure Centre, one of 12 Leisure for Life centres that Rhondda Cynon Taf Council delivers on behalf of its communities, offering high quality, accessible leisure opportunities for all.
From babies’ first swimming lessons to low impact classes to help those recovering from illness or injury, there is something for everyone, with gym, swimming, fitness classes, indoor sports and health suites offered across the service – all accessed via one far-reaching membership.
Louise Davies, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Director of Community Services, said said: “What a phenomenal pair Debbie and Kattie are and it’s lovely to be able to celebrate 50 years of Hawthorn Leisure Centre with them – they are the very essence of why this centre is still going strong after all these years.
“People from all walks of life are welcomed and encouraged to get involved and, before you know it, a whole new friendship group has bene formed.
“I am so pleased Debbie and Kattie aren’t just thriving on their own Leisure for Life journeys, but are creating a fun, welcoming space for others. That’s what Leisure for Life is about. They are more than gyms. They are at the heart of the community.
“People from all walks of life are welcomed and our staff are on hand to show you around and help you get involved and they love it when customers, who have overcome and thrived like Debbie and Kattie have, use their experiences to help others.
“There’s quite the crowd at Hawthorn Leisure Centre now, helping each other, challenging each other and supporting each other through the ups and downs of life. Friendship circles such as these can be seen across all our centres, they really are great places to be. If you have never visited one before, your first gym, swim or fitness class is free so pop in and book!”
Leisure for Life offers gym, swimming, fitness classes, indoor sports and health suites across 12 centres. You can see them here:
Unlimited access is secured via one easy monthly (or annual) membership. See more information here.
Concessionary membership is offered to those who are aged 60 and over, aged 18 and under, full-time students, registered carers and those who receive eligible benefits. Find out more here.
Reduced monthly membership and pay as you go prices are also offered to those who hold a Blue Light Card and those who hold an Armed Forces Defence card.
Leisure for Life also operates a Corporate Membership. If you work for, or are a member of, one of our corporate partners (you can see the list here) you and one other person can secure reduced-price leisure for life membership. The Corporate Membership is also offered, by way of a Town Centre membership to anyone who works in, or owns a business based in Pontypridd, Llantrisant and Talbot Green. More here:
Posted on 16/04/2026