Lord ‘Beefy’ Botham, the legendary cricket figure, is leading the charge in encouraging the people to embrace a more active way of life through his inspirational “Move More” initiative.
Having undergone a complete knee replacement surgery in late 2022, Lord Botham dedicated the past year to his personal journey of recovery, rediscovering the profound value of physical and mental well-being through exercise.
“Look, if you don’t stay active you get old very quickly. Whether you’re getting up a mountain or getting out of bed… the important thing is to keep going.” Lord Botham asserts.
Reflecting on the ease of staying active during youth, Lord Botham notes, “When you were younger, you didn’t have to think about exercise because you were exercising every day – out on the sports field and the playground. Nobody thought, ‘Oh, I’ve got to do some exercise,’ you just did it. As you get older, it gets a bit trickier to look after yourself, so you must be more disciplined.”
While government initiatives like “Change 4 Life” have long encouraged increased physical activity, Lord Botham believes that in an era dominated by heavy technology dependence, it is crucial to reconnect with nature and prioritise physical activity. Our bodies are not designed for prolonged periods of inactivity, and in light of the strain on healthcare systems worldwide, it is an opportune moment to reevaluate and adopt better living practices.
Amidst an illustrious career in the sporting industry, Ian has taken some serious knocks and always managed to rise from the ashes. He loves watching the tele as much as the rest of us, but insists that we must balance our screen-time with daily activity. “When you feel down and out, it’s easy to slump in a chair and turn on the TV. Yes, there’s fantastic sport on TV, but watch that and then step out for a walk. It’s crucial to keep your body active.”
Stressing the point further, Ian says “We probably all spend too much time looking at screens nowadays but we must make time to move more, even if it’s just half an hour per day – you’ll feel better for it.”
Offering a simple yet powerful piece of advice for staying active against all odds, Lord Botham says, “Get out there and have a crack. It’s the only way to keep yourself mentally and physically strong.”
Dr Rob Galloway, A&E Doctor and honorary clinical professor, recently published an article in The Mail citing two new studies which show that even small amounts of exercise both for adults and kids can make a massive difference to both physical and mental wellbeing. Commenting on that article, Dr Rob Galloway said “doing regular exercise is the single most important thing that anyone can do for their health and thus reduce demand on health care systems.”
Rob’s article details concerns about the UK healthcare system, which revolve around its current focus on treating acute illnesses at the expense of prevention, leading to unsustainable demand and potential harm to patients. It goes on to emphasise the urgent need for a shift in mindset towards prevention to preserve a healthy healthcare service for all.
We so often hear of the stress our NHS is currently under, and Lord Botham’s “Move More” campaign is a rallying call for people of all ages and backgrounds to prioritise their health and embrace a more active lifestyle. Many of us know Ian Botham as the front-man of England’s greatest ever comeback, “the miracle of headingley” (1981), so he might just be the leader we need in this push to get our nation active again.
In the midst of Lord Botham’s “Move More” campaign, July 2022 marked a significant turning point. Facing a challenging period of reduced mobility, Lord Botham received a tube of EthicaCBD Sports Gel from his son, Liam. The transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Within just three weeks, the cricket icon was back on his feet, strolling around Sunningdale. By September, he wasn’t merely walking; he was back on the golf course, competing in three rounds at the esteemed Dunhill Links. “To see me through the Dunhill, I turned to the gel, applying it 2-3 times daily. Without it, I doubt I would’ve managed,” Lord Botham candidly revealed.
This wonder gel is the brainchild of the dedicated family-run team at EthicaCBD, who spent two years perfecting a blend that harmoniously combines CBD & CBG with a range of therapeutic botanicals. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with Sir Ian Botham himself stating, “You can sing praises all day, but the product has to deliver… and this one truly does.”
Sean Jack, a local shop owner in EthicaCBD’s base of Bude, suggests that the ‘Sports Gel’ label might not do justice to its broad appeal. “It’s not just for the sporty ones. My best customer? My very own mum!” he jests. EthicaCBD’s ethos is deeply rooted in ethical practices, from the quality of their products to their commitment to the environment. Their motto, “the highest quality ethical CBD for people & planet,” perfectly captures their dedication. Gail Muller, an author and adventurer, adds her voice to the chorus of praise, noting, “This EthicaCBD Sports Gel has been a revelation. Its impact is unparalleled compared to other topical products I’ve tried.”
A spotlight on EthicaCBD: Originating from Cornwall, this company is making significant strides both locally and internationally. Their eco-initiatives include partnering with Surfers Against Sewage for ocean clean-ups and planting over 10,000 trees in Africa with Tree Nation. After a year filled with glowing reviews in 2022, they proudly clinched a win at the World CBD Awards for their topicals. Ruarri Spurgeon, EthicaCBD’s Director, sums up their mission: “Let’s get the world moving again. It’s only natural.”
Discover more at: www.ethicacbd.com.
