Story added: 27th May 2022
“Joining Extra Time has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It is a major part of my life, and I can’t imagine life without it.”
The words of Tim Pigney, a retired primary school teacher, who joined our Extra Time programme back in 2013.
Having been in the world of education for so long, retired life for Tim was initially claustrophobic and he felt increasingly isolated.
Those first Extra Time sessions proved to be a breath of fresh air.
“It allowed me to expand my social network and interact with people from all walks of life, as opposed to just people from academic backgrounds,” he recalled.
Keeping active and maintaining fitness levels had always been a big part of Tim’s life, but Extra Time gave him the opportunity to play sport for his own pleasure and mental wellbeing, too.
Both the group’s friendly camaraderie and sporting spirit is something that Tim loves about Extra Time:
“The programme allows for both competitive and casual games, so there’s a mixture of seriousness and joking about depending on your preference.”
As well as the range of new sports that the programme has allowed Tim to try (including volleyball and pickleball), the social element of the weekly session has given him the opportunity to develop another of his passions.
“I am particularly grateful to Extra Time for giving me the opportunity to run my music quizzes. I love a project to get my teeth stuck into, and preparing these quizzes is a challenge but something I thoroughly enjoy. The positive feedback I get is very uplifting mentally […] it gives you a sense of belonging.”
The combination of quizzes and hearing from guest speakers during the weekly social hour have, according to Tim, helped keep him mentally sharp and stimulated.
But it’s socially where his decision to join Extra Time has been the most life-changing; Tim met his current partner Carole at the sessions.
“She’s been wonderful and improved my quality of life drastically.”
To find out more about the programme, visit our Extra Time page.
"Joining Extra Time has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. It is a major part of my life, and I can't imagine life without it."
Tim Pigney
Extra Time Participant
24th June 2022
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22nd June 2022
31-year-old, James Kidd, has been attending sessions with the Foundation for over five years now - here's how the Foundation have helped him progress.
14th June 2022
Friday saw 50 participants cover 47 miles from Hunstanton to Cromer across the Norfolk Coast Path, raising over £16,000 along the way
9th June 2022
Over the Jubilee weekend, ten fundraisers pedalled their way 422 miles, from German city Koblenz through to Norwich.
When you donate a little each month, you will be helping to transform the lives of local people of all ages who need our support – giving them the opportunity to connect with others like them, feel happier and healthier in themselves, and raise their aspirations.
We have Soccer Schools running at venues across Norfolk & Suffolk, and whether participants are new to football, or are already a budding Canary superstar, the Soccer Schools programme has been put together to provide a fun, holiday activity at an affordable price.
As Norwich City Football Club's official charity partner, we help thousands of people every year achieve their goals through sport, supporting some of the most disadvantaged, disabled and talented people across Norfolk. Our vision is to support, inspire, and improve our community.
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