Belong welcomes Ed Balls and BBC’s The One Show

Belong Crewe has opened its doors to BBC’s The One Show and former Shadow Chancellor, Ed Balls, who visited the village to explore the benefits of the village’s specialist exercise studio.
Once known for taking the opposition to task in the House of Commons, more recently Ed has ventured into broadcasting and media. He is perhaps best known to the care sector for sharing his personal experience supporting his mother living with dementia and for immersing himself in care environments for the 2021 BBC documentary, Inside the Care Crisis.
As the government recently announced a 10-year plan and funding to research dementia and neurodegenerative conditions, Ed met with Belong Crewe residents, Richard and Harold, along with specialist instructor, Max, to discuss their cycling programme. The technology using Motiview enables the pair to virtually explore breath-taking landscapes of their choice via a screen linked to their exercise bikes. Participants can choose destinations from their childhood, holidays, or anywhere they desire, to keep them motivated whilst cycling.
As seen in the story, Ed opts for the city of Norwich where he grew up, whilst viewers get to watch Harold make his first visit to Holyhead in over 80 years.
Meanwhile, Richard and his daughter, Lisa, talk Ed through the benefits of Motiview and using the exercise studio for rehabilitation and to enhance wellbeing. Sadly, since filming, Richard has passed away and Belong’s thoughts are with his family. We are also thankful to them for giving us permission for the story to be shared and we hope it brings them some comfort.
The programme is available to view online until 22nd June:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0017pbs/the-one-show-24052022

Photo: The One Show, Shadow Chancellor, Ed Balls at Belong Crewe, BBC and Screenhouse Productions