A GYM owner has been named the Essex Activity Hero at the end of a tough year – but nearly dismissed the email as spam!

Aaron Tyler has claimed the coveted award, which is presented by Essex County Council and supported by the National Lottery and Sport England.

The accolade comes thanks to Aaron’s hard work in helping the community since the initial coronavirus outbreak in March.

But the success came as a huge shock to the 42-year-old, who had helped south Essex residents to keep fit during the pandemic through his Aaron Tyler Fitness YouTube channel.

He said: “It was a total surprise when I received an email saying that I had won this award.

“I actually thought it was a spam email and went to delete it until I noticed it had been sent by Basildon Council.

“I’m glad I didn’t delete it because the Essex Activity Hero certificate was attached.

“It’s so pleasing to know people in the community nominated me when all I had been trying to do is stay positive in these hard times and keep the community active for free by supplying a free home workout channel.”

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Aaron, who grew up in Laindon, owns the Feelgood Fitness & Wellness Centre and was pleased to see his YouTube channel prove to be a success.

But he feels personal trainers at the business on Wash Road, Laindon, deserve plenty of credit.

Aaron added: “Our centre isn’t just a gym. We cater for everyone and I wanted to make keeping active fun and free for people at home.

“I set up a YouTube channel and asked all of my self-employed instructors to load the channel with as many different styles of workout as possible.

“My aim was to have a new video uploaded each day so people at home had a library of free workouts to choose from.

“I am incredibly grateful for the help I received from my instructors.”

Aaron was keen to play his part in keeping the community’s spirits up during the pandemic.

He admitted: “I built a business and invested an incredible amount of money, time and hard work.

“I wasn’t willing to let Covid-19 ruin my dream and lose everything. I flipped it into a positive and did what I had to do – keep as many people optimistic as I could.”