NHS staff support Army Reserves Day 2025
Thursday, 3 July 2025
NHS staff from across Cheshire and Merseyside joined forces on Reserves Day (Wed 25 June) to undertake a military fitness training session.
At the invitation of 235 Sqn 156 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, NHS staff were put through their paces by Staff Sergeant Major Robbie Whelan, military reservist, and Project Co-Ordinator for the Population Health Team at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside.
The session was aimed at promoting staff fitness and providing a small insight into military training while recognising the contribution of NHS staff who are also military reserves.
Carl Marsh, Place Director for Warrington and Executive Champion for the Armed Services Family Group said:
“The NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Armed Forces staff group aims to recognise those demands, and worries, which are often carried silently by our staff in the Armed Forces Community and do something about it. For example, on hearing about the worries of staff that have children who are newly enrolled within the forces, a ‘Military Mums’ forum was set-up as a place for staff to talk with others in a similar position.”
Alec Schofield, Communications Officer at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, who took part in the session, said:
“My personal way to improve my wellbeing is to undertake exercise, and this session encouraged us to push ourselves that little bit harder and to get the endorphins going. The session also introduced new exercises for me (I’ve never done a Cossack squat in my life until Wednesday!), and participating as a group pushed me that little bit further. I genuinely enjoyed the whole session under the guidance of Robbie, who was motivational and informative.
“It also gave us a small insight into how motivated and dedicated everyone in the Armed Forces are, not only to physical fitness but to mental fitness. Many thanks to everyone involved who made it happen and to 156 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps who let us use all their equipment and space.”
On Reserves Day (25 June) employers are asked to thank their Reservists for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to serving our country.
Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve as part of the military. Reservists are currently supporting operations worldwide.
The Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of our Armed Forces personnel and as such are integral to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas, particularly providing capability in specialist areas such as medical and cyber.
However, the contribution they make to our Armed Forces often goes unrecognised. As such an annual Reserves Day was created to highlight and recognise the valuable contribution Reservists make to our Armed Forces.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside has a well-established Armed Services Family Group which meets monthly and welcomes all families of serving armed forces personnel and staff with a military background.
