Health Club

Membership

Mark Taylor: A 20-Year Commitment to Health, Community and Lifesaving

31st January 2024

Goodwood has long been associated with a long history of sporting passion, and here at Goodwood Health and Wellbeing, our Members reflect that passion. Among our Members, Mark Taylor has been an integral part of the club's vibrant culture for over 20 years.

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Early Days at Goodwood

Hailing from Plymouth, Mark's journey with Goodwood began in 1994 shortly after his move to Chichester. Back then, he sought a place to maintain his fitness levels, having been a dedicated runner and marathon enthusiast for many years. After a brief stint elsewhere, Mark found his health home at Goodwood in the mid-1990s. Initially, he limited his visits to the gym, never venturing into fitness classes.

Embracing the Running Community

Fast forward to today and Mark is a familiar face among the runners when the club's running enthusiasts hit the Goodwood Estate's trails. It was during his training for a London Marathon that he joined the running club here at Goodwood, discovering a love for camaraderie that comes with social running. After two decades of solo work running his own business, Mark relishes the group environment and the estate as a whole, with the various venues within it and the social elements that come with being a part of the Membership.

The Heart of Goodwood: Community and Sport

What has kept Mark committed to Goodwood all these years is the vast space that comes with membership. Whether he's pounding the trails with the Run Club or showcasing his prowess in Cardio Tennis (a sport he discovered only five years ago). Hitting his first ball ignited an immediate love for the sport and now he is never too far from the court and enjoys the social elements this also brings. One of Mark’s favourite experiences in recent memory was attending the tennis camp in La Manga in Spain with Roger and some other Members.

Answering the Call: A New Chapter in Spring 2023

In spring 2023, Mark embarked on a new chapter, becoming a South East Coast Ambulance Community First Responder (SECAMB CFR). Motivated by years of witnessing the dedication of the Ambulance service and the NHS, Mark wanted to contribute directly to the community. The advanced, ongoing, training programme ensures he is ready for all eventualities, never knowing what awaits at the scene, it’s always a step into the unknown. Arriving before an ambulance role involves responding quickly to emergency calls, providing crucial initial observations, and preparing for any scenario. Mark finds the work therapeutic, embracing the unknown and striving to make a positive impact during critical moments.

As we celebrate Mark's 20-year journey at Goodwood Health and Wellbeing Club, it's clear that his commitment extends beyond personal fitness. Mark's story is one of resilience, community engagement, and a passion for helping others. He stands as a beacon within our Membership embodying the values that make Goodwood Health and Wellbeing a thriving hub of health, wellness and community spirit. Here's to you and the positive contribut