Judges select final 13 recruits for the Health Factor

They will now take part in a series of life-changing challenges and activities over the summer ranging from fitness to healthy eating to volunteering. 

As part of the challenge, they are also expected to pass on their experiences to others, and inspire them to make similar changes. 

The Health Factor is part of the borough's Olympic legacy drive, to get residents in Southwark inspired by the Games and to start thinking about their health and fitness, and to leave a permanent legacy for others to follow. 

Over 30 men and women from across the borough had auditioned in front of the three judges earlier in the week, after being shortlisted from more than 50 applicants. 

Now the final 13 have been selected, they will each be part of a team led by a Health Factor mentor, who are:

• Annie Shepperd, chief executive of Southwark Council
• Andy Snazell, Southwark Fire Brigade chief
• Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle, cabinet member for health and adult social care at Southwark Council

The final thirteen are:

Annie's team:

Jo Sharpen, who is 33 and from Nunhead, says she has issues with her confidence but she wants to get fitter and inspire others through her blog of her experiences.  

Rashidah Conroy, who is 44 and from Camberwell, says she watches too much telly and wants to set a positive example to her two teenage children.  

Gillian Hook, who is 58, works with adults with learning difficulties. The Rotherhithe mum wants to get healthier in mind, body, and spirit, and see if she can pass on her learning to those she works with every day.  

Tracy Lebreton, who is 47 and from Peckham, wants to make her granddaughter proud. She describes herself as a larger lady who would like to set an example to others. 

Andy's team:

Hannah Houston-Banks, who is 40, and from Denmark Hill, is trying to get over an accident which has affected her confidence and ability to enjoy her sports.  

Rachel Miskin is 29 and from Dulwich. She really wants to make running part of her life but struggles with getting motivated. 

Ekpo Eyo, from Herne Hill, described himself a former couch potato who has now discovered sport. The 34 year old says he still needs help in eating better.  

Sean Ferguson is a 36 year old father of three who wants to inspire his kids. The Walworth resident wants to help others in similar circumstances.  

Mark Barnard, who is 36 and from Borough, said he doesn't find it easy to exercise regularly and that he would like to set up a running club as a result of the challenge.  

Dora's team:

Sandra Hinds, who is 52 and from Bermondsey, is determined to lose weight. She aims to take part in a charity parachute jump and this will help her get in shape.  

Kathryn Pledger is 36. The Camberwell mother of two, (a baby and a two year old) says she struggles to fit in exercise around looking after her children.  

Maria Holguin, who is 30 years old and from Walworth, wants to show that 'with initiative, effort, commitment and encouragement you can achieve anything you want.'  

Nasrin Begum is 31 and from Walworth. She says she hardly ever exercises, and is really keen to get fit and quick.  

What they said on getting chosen:

Rashidah Conroy said:

"I'm really excited that I was chosen. I have two teenagers aged 17 and 13 and I'm trying to instil and encourage good habits in them. So I am going to share my healthier lifestyle with them."

Mark Barnard said:

"I'm over the moon at being chosen but of course apprehensive. I'm looking forward to meeting other people and I'm keen to develop a support network and undertake some new activities." 

Annie Shepperd, chief executive of Southwark Council, said: 

"Congratulations to the finalists who've made it through to take part in the Health Factor Challenge. The mentors thought they really had a desire to make changes to their lives, and also a determination to share their experiences with others. This summer should be great fun and I'm excited by the prospect of working with my team." 

Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle, cabinet member for health and adult social care at Southwark Council said: 

"The passion we saw on audition night to be a part of this was impressive. It was a tough task to select the final 13 but I think we've got a group of enthusiastic residents, who want to change their lives for the better. I'm sure I'm also going to get a lot out of being a mentor." 

Andy Snazell, London Fire Brigade Borough Commander, added: 

"I'm delighted to have been asked to be part of this initiative. I have already planned a number of activities for my group that will certainly reflect the title of 'challenge.' "

As the Health Factor gets underway, you can follow the progress of the 13 recruits as they tackle each of the weekly challenges. Over the next ten weeks they will be telling their stories and helping to give other people ideas for how they can improve their health. There will be regularly updated content including videos, photographs, participant blogs and social media updates.  

For more information on the participants and to find out how you can follow them go to the health factor webpage.