A HEALTHY FOOD delivery business, co-founded by a former Bradford City footballer, won an award last week, recognising small businesses.

Manchester-based Gymology, founded by couple Jon Worsnop, from Bradford, and Katie Booth, from Manchester, was named Start Up Business of the Year for the North West at the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards.

Gymology, founded just 18 months ago, delivers fresh food to its clients - which have included celebrities, professional footballers, reality TV stars and professional sports clubs - in a bid to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Jon, 37, grew up in Low Moor and was a professional footballer on the books at Bradford City in the early 2000s, before going on to play for Chester, Bradford Park Avenue, York City and Guiseley amongst others. The veteran goalkeeper now plays part-time for Northern Premier League side Ashton United.

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Katie, 26, is a former triathlete who was selected for the Olympic Development Tri team and is also a self-confessed gym lover, skier, golfer and athlete.

"As a footballer, I travelled across the country for away games and we didn't always eat healthily", said Jon, who joined City as a 10-year old and went to Yorkshire Martyrs Catholic College.

"I saw other services promoting healthy eating, and wanted to do a better take on that - like a premium version. A lot of studies also show that eating healthy helps with mental health.

"All our food is made in-house by our kitchen team, which includes Victoria Dale, ex-Head Chef at Manchester United. We do healthy takes on things like fish and chips, and all our food is made from natural ingredients.

"Myself and Katie are fitness fanatics and supply the UK and Europe with 20,000 meals a week, and turned over £600,000 last year.

"We've worked with football clubs including Manchester United, Aston Villa, Rochdale and Oldham Athletic, and we're the official meal partner for GB Taekwondo at this year's Tokyo Olympics.

"We've also worked with celebrities including Paddy McGuinness, Jason Manford, Katie Price and cast from Love Island, as well as footballers Harry Maguire and Jamie Vardy, and his wife Rebekah .

"Jason Manford was on a health kick and we sent his food around the country when he was on tour, and working with Paddy McGuinness was also a highlight.

"However, you don't have to be famous to use our services - we work with anyone from elite athletes to stay-at-home parents.

"We also do meals for kids - Gymology has something for everyone."

More information can be found at https://www.gymologyuk.com/