Livewell Marketing and Customer Coordinator, Kellie Townes loves chatting to clients and hearing about the changes they’ve made – she says it’s the reason she loves her job!

As a keen runner, Kellie was all set to run this year’s London Marathon in April and still hopes to when it eventually takes place.

Experience

My marketing career spans 25 years across private and public sectors.  I started as a copywriting apprentice in a Nottingham advertising agency before moving to Birmingham and then back to Derby after the birth of my eldest daughter in 2001. During that time I was lucky enough to work with some cutting edge companies in education, construction and retail sectors and witness the growth of the internet and digital technology (yes I’m officially old!) Since 2008 I’ve worked for Derby City Council, moving to the Livewell team (formerly b-You) in 2011. 

Your job role with Livewell

I lead Livewell’s customer contact team and look after the marketing and promotion for the service.  This involves talking to clients, supporting the team with data and admin, coordinating the social media team and creating and implementing campaigns such as the national stop smoking campaign – Stoptober. 

I love getting out and talking to clients when I present the Client of the Month Award.  It’s amazing to hear individual journeys and the difference the team is making to support people to change their lives.

When I can, I also enjoy meeting our volunteers and walk leaders who are mostly former clients themselves.  It’s so rewarding to see them inspiring new clients with their own Livewell stories and experiences.

Me in 3 words

Competitive, determined and stubborn (so my husband tells me!)   

My favourite meal

I love Indian food so it would have to be an authentic hot curry with chapatti and plain rice.

My passions/interests

Running is my passion which I started through Couch to 5k after having my eldest daughter.  Since then I’ve completed five marathons, 16 half marathons and countless 10ks.  I also enjoy hill walking in the Peak District, Lake District and Wales.  We are lucky in the UK to have some of the most spectacular walking routes. 

My best achievement

Apart from my two daughters (age 18 and 15) who I’m very proud of, I’d say achieving a ‘good for age’ time in the Manchester Marathon last year to qualify for this year’s London Marathon (during its 40 anniversary year). It’s a 10-year ambition I’m still hoping to realise either in October or next Spring when it’s safe and restrictions are lifted.

What you might be surprised to know

My husband and I trekked up Kilimanjaro for our honeymoon 17 years ago.  Camping in minus 20 is not everyone’s idea of a romantic getaway but it was an unforgettable trip and I’m not one for lying on beaches anyway! 

My top lifestyle tips

Treat exercise like a diary appointment and schedule it in your calendar.  That way it takes priority and you take the time to do it.

Physical activity comes in lots of different guises – find exercise you enjoy so it enriches and becomes part of your every day life.

Life too busy?  Walking is free, easy, family-friendly, has amazing emotional and physical benefits and can be done in 10 minute bouts with no special equipment or clothing.

Don’t beat yourself up when you overindulge, just make a promise to yourself to get back on track the next day.

Chunk your long term goal into small achievable targets and reward yourself for each milestone you reach.

My favourite motivational quote

Don’t worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try - Jack Canfield

Kellie Townes at the Manchester Marathon