A WOMAN at the helm of a national fundraiser for NHS hospital trusts, including Leighton Hospital in Crewe, is launching a new initiative to support health and wellbeing as concerns over the Omicron variant grow.

Michelle Vorel-Adams, a keen cyclist who founded the Great British Rainbow Active Series earlier this year, has developed a fitness and nutrition platform which aims to combat anxiety and build mental resilience in the local community.

Over the past six months the Rainbow Series has raised money for more than 100 NHS trusts nationally, including the Mid Cheshire Hospitals Trust that runs Leighton, by encouraging participants to sign up to a series of physical challenges.

Now Michelle, who was named the world's first European Cycling Directeur last Christmas, is launching the Great British Rainbow Wellness Series to help motivate people to get moving and make the right food choices.

She said: "The emergence of Omicron has put the country on high alert and for many the fear of catching the virus and constant need to be on guard will only add to their low mood and feelings of angst.

"With the guidance now to work from home there will be further impact on mental health through social isolation and loneliness.

"The Great British Wellness Series aims to help people to become more healthy and happy in their day-to-day lives as we adjust to the new norm and deal with whatever lies ahead.

"It offers lifestyle coaching and support with anxiety, diet and nutrition as well as fitness training plans for people of all abilities.

"We all need to be as physically fit and mentally robust as we can be over the coming months as the pandemic unfolds and we learn more about the new variant."

Local businesswoman Michelle founded the Great British Rainbow Active Series as a thank you to the NHS after medics at the Royal Stoke University Hospital saved her life following a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The Series has attracted a large number of participants nationwide and high-profile sponsors and supporters, including Mornflake in Crewe.

Internationally it is supported by Californian energy food producer Clif Bar, Italian cycling apparel brand Le Col and ACES Europe – the Brussels-based European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation promoting physical activity and healthy living worldwide.

Michelle, who is the organisation's UK and Ireland President, was made European Cycling Directeur for encouraging more people to get on their bikes for fitness.

The health campaigner, who cycles over 100 miles a week, added: "Exercise has been my saviour. It helped my physical and mental recovery from DVT and organising the Rainbow Series has been my way to say thanks to the NHS while motivating others.

"It began with activities like running, walking and swimming but now we have people doing all sorts – spinning, horse-riding and even dancing to raise money for their local NHS hospital trusts.

"Some have overcome illness or lost family to Covid and the Series has given them a reason to make each day count. They have been motivated to get fit, lose weight or combat depression along the way.

"The Wellness Series will run alongside the Rainbow Series and will highlight the importance of self-care in these difficult times."

Michelle has connected participants through a Facebook community group. In 2022 there are plans to get them together for sporting events and celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

For more information on the Great British Rainbow Active Series and the new Wellness initiative go to https://www.rainbowactiveseries.com/