CORONATION Street star, Jennie McAlpine, has welcomed the news that the I Will if You Will (IWIYW) female fitness campaign has been extended for a further two years.

Following the birth of her first child in December, celebrity ambassador Jennie has commented on the impact the IWIYW campaign has had on the women in her hometown of Bury.

Last year she and fellow Bury women, actress Nikki Sanderson and retired England netball player Tracey Neville, were unveiled as I Will If You Will ambassadors to help raise the profile of the campaign.

So far, the initiative has been successful in getting more than 6,500 women and girls across Bury moving. And with a further £2 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England, it’s set to continue and get even more women more active, more often.

As part of her involvement, Jennie joined local ladies at both IWIYW piloxing and Later Life fitness classes, who were surprised to have a familiar face at their local fun fitness sessions. Taking part in the IWIYW classes has been imperative to Jennie’s overall experience, as it has shown her first hand the impact IWIYW is making locally.

Reflecting on her role, Jennie said: “As an IWIYW ambassador I’ve been lucky enough to go and meet so many inspiring people who are committed to spreading the health and fitness message across Bury.

“I’ve had so much fun joining-in with the IWIYW classes — it was like working out with a group of friends as everyone was having such a good time.

The news of the campaign receiving further funding is brilliant. It’s so great to see how everyone’s hard work is paying off and making a real difference.”

Jackie Veal, sports development manager at Bury Council, said: “Jennie’s involvement last year really helped us highlight the breadth of activities available and the benefits of Bury women and girls giving exercise a go.

“We have something for all women to get involved in, either by themselves or with friends or family and the Later Life and piloxing classes are prime examples of how I Will If You Will is helping to bring ladies together to get more active and have fun.”

To find out more about the I Will If You Will movement or make a pledge to get more active, go to www.iwillifyouwill.co.uk.