Emile Allen
Emile Allen won the Participant of the Year award at the 2019 CACT Awards.
72-year-old Emile has immersed himself in four of CACT programmes since October 2018.
After the passing of his wife, Emile started to attend a regular Bereavement Walk CACT runs in partnership with Cruse, where he and Health Improvement Manager Charlie East formed a friendship that would see him open up to Charlie about his life and what he's been through.
Emile was encouraged to join CACT's newly-relaunched Extra Time Hub, for over 55s, which has grown considerably this year.
Attending regularly and taking part in various activities, Emile formed a close relationship with CACT's Special Populations, Older People & Men's Health Lead Matt Phillips. As well as the Hub, Matt also runs the Men's Social Evenings every Monday, and he encouraged Emile to attend.
A lifelong football fan, he also started to attend the Walking Football sessions held at Eltham Goals every Tuesday.
Emile has become a key part of various CACT programmes in less than a year.
Emile says:
"I love coming to all the sessions that I do with Charlton; I really, really enjoy it. I have met so many good people and made some great friends, and to be honest it has given me a purpose in life once again."