Cassandra Pickett shares her success story with the Green Prescription Programme, which recently featured on the Sports Manawatu website:

“Within the last year Cassandra has made some huge lifestyle changes, with the support of Gaylyn who has been with her every step of the way. It was actually through her support person (Gaylyn) that Cassandra first heard about the GRx Programme. “I wanted to join because I wanted to become more active. I also wanted to meet new people and make friends”.

“Before the programme the only exercise I was doing was delivering the property press around Shannon once a fortnight”. Due to inactivity Cassandra mentioned that she was “lacking in energy, I was finding it hard to sleep at night. My stress levels were very high and I was always stressed”.

From attending the weekly GRx classes in Levin, Cassandra has truly blossomed and she has given everything ago with a smile. “I am now more conscious of wanting to be more active and my support person Gaylyn has been helping me to set new challenges and getting me along to lots of events such as Whanau Tri, Ashhurst to Esplanade walk, Great Forrest event, Kawa Oranga Classic.” (And this is to just name a few!)  

“I have noticed a change in Cassandra’s attitude”, comments Gaylyn. “Her attitude for life is much better and she is living by the motto: ‘our life, our choices’ and being a great role model to others around her”.

When asked what benefits she has experienced since incorporating a healthier lifestyle Cassandra replied; “I have noticed I am sleeping a lot better, feeling fitter, have more energy, less stressed and a lot more relaxed”.

“From the time that Cassandra started GRx classes to now it is impressive to see how far she has come”, comments Katrina Gemmell (GRx Advisor, Sport Manawatu). “She came in to the classes shy and not confident when it came to exercise, to being a young lady happy with life and participating in lots of community sporting events. I also applaud her support worker Gaylyn who has been a massive reason behind Cassandra’s success. She has brought Cassandra to class and has been motivating her to get involved with sporting activities outside of the programme.

Well done Cassandra, I look forward to seeing you around and continuing to see you blossom!”