By 
Name: Damien Crowne
Business Name: Personal Health and Fitness
Business Location: Gortrush Industrial Estate, Omagh
How long have you been in business?
Twenty years with my current business, although I have been teaching health and fitness now for 27 years.
How many staff do you employ?
Five in total.
What are your strengths?
Helping others. Being able to think ahead, being able to foresee changes in the fitness industry and then adapting the business to suit.
What are your weaknesses?
I can’t say NO!
As a strong mental health advocate, what have you been doing to improve the wellbeing of local people during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Besides offering live fitness classes three times a week, I was helping others individually deal with daily struggles on a personal level by personally going to see them during Covid restrictions.
Myself and some of the staff completed a half-marathon carrying 18kg in rucksacks to raise money for our own charity, Keep Me Where The Light Is-CC. This charity is designed to help those who need therapy/counselling. It offers four counselling sessions that are paid for by the charity. This enables the individual to access help quicker as NHS waiting times are lengthy due to the ongoing mental health crisis. Keep Me Where The Light is-CC is a story on its own.
What advice would you give to anyone who is struggling with their mental health?
This question is a double-edged sword! For most that have mental health issues, they don’t know how to approach someone because they’re not fully aware of their own issues or why the feel the way they feel.
How I would answer this question… if an individual’s personality has changed and you have noticed it, then ask them are they okay? Tell them you have noticed that they haven’t been themselves. I can guarantee that you will get a response. Don’t wait for them to talk… YOU ASK.
What makes your business unique?
The staff, the atmosphere and the willingness of everyone to help out with whatever is needed. This also includes our clients.
What does your business mean to you?
Everything… it’s all I know!
Who has been the greatest influence on your life?
My mother. Her sudden death at 42-years-old moulded me into the person I am today. I have learned not to judge because, for some, life is not all as it seems.
What are your plans for the future?
I would really like to develop Keep Me Where The Light Is-CC. People can help people. It’s surprising how a walk and talk can help in the fresh air.
If you weren’t in this field of business, what would you be doing?
Honestly, I don’t know as I think this is my destiny. The gym is an avenue where people get help from health and fitness. I myself put a lot of emphasis on the health and wellbeing of an individual.
What do you do to relax?
This is something I struggle with… although, weather-permitting, I like to get out on the motorbike.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
Knowing me, I would probably give it all away! And then have to borrow for my own holiday. All my family and friends would benefit. It doesn’t matter how much you have, a cup of coffee is still the same price.
We might be limited in our travel at the moment but where is your favourite holiday destination?
Medjugorje.
What do you miss most about Tyrone when you are away?
Unfortunately, I’m never away long enough to miss it.
If you could swap lives with someone, who would you choose and why?
James May… he’s the most laid-back character with a weird sense of dress, but very witty and intelligent. Plus, he gets to drive all the good cars!
And finally take the chance to give a shout out to another local business who you think is doing great things (expand on why you’ve chosen them):
I think in the current climate all businesses are doing great just to stay open! This is not an easy time for any business and I think they all should all be supported locally and applauded, as like myself, they are not sure what the future holds.
Ulster Herald Local Business Profiles in association with Omagh Chamber of Commerce
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