A Life of Fitness and Resilience
For three decades, Mr Motivator has been a household name in the UK, dedicated to promoting physical and mental health. At 73 years old, he continues to inspire people with his energy and passion for fitness. His journey is not just about exercise; it’s also about overcoming personal challenges and helping others.
One of the key reasons behind his continued drive is the grief of losing his beloved granddaughter, Hadassah. In 2021, Hadassah passed away at the age of 12 after contracting meningitis. She was living with her mother, Derrick’s eldest daughter Caroline Evans Charles, in Antigua. She was one of four grandchildren.
Losing someone so young was a profound experience for Mr Motivator. “When you lose someone who’s very young, you feel kind of helpless,” he shared with The Daily Mail. 
As a father or grandparent, he explained, there is always a sense of being there for your loved ones. “If your child calls out, you’re there to wipe their nose, you’re there to prop them up and lift them up,” he said. However, when he couldn’t do anything to help, he found himself in a difficult space.
“I almost forgot all the messages that I’ve been giving people,” he continued. “When you’re in that space, take time out, walk away from the problem, read a book, play some music, look through your photo album, I forgot all of it.”
This period of stress was intense, and he almost collapsed. “I realized that what I was doing was I was being strong for everyone else. But I was forgetting that to take good care of other people, you have got to take good care of yourself.”
Mr Motivator learned the importance of expressing emotions and allowing himself to grieve. “So, yeah, the mental side of fitness is so important for me now,” he emphasized.
The Importance of Meningitis Awareness
The nation recently faced a meningitis outbreak, which claimed the lives of two students and hospitalized 18 others. Although initial fears suggested the outbreak could spread beyond the south-east, no new cases have been recorded since March 20. Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
Mr Motivator urged parents to be vigilant about their children’s health. “You have got to be observant and if you’re unsure of any of those symptoms, go to the doctor immediately. Don’t hesitate, because it’s one of those things that can move really quickly through your system.” 
Lessons from Life
Mr Motivator credits all his life experiences with shaping him into the person he is today. “The difference between school and life is, at school you’re taught a lesson, and then given a test. But life tests you, which teaches you a lesson,” he explained. “Everything I’ve had to deal with has been a wonderful lesson that I’ve learned.”
He shares these lessons through public speaking, emphasizing that his message comes from lived experience rather than textbooks. “I can say I was homeless, I can say I was a one parent family, and I’ve been made redundant. I’ve had love, I’ve loved and lost and loved again.”
Charitable Efforts and Community Campaigns
Mr Motivator’s experiences have led him to launch several charitable initiatives. He founded the Bed Bank charity, which addresses child bed poverty and ensures every child has a safe, comfortable place to sleep. He has also partnered with SPAR to launch Fuel Your Spring, a UK-wide campaign encouraging people to embrace small, feel-good daily habits that boost wellbeing and support local communities.
The campaign is supported by new OnePoll research commissioned by SPAR, revealing that 84 percent of people believe a small daily walk boosts their mood, and 71 percent would be more likely to walk to local shops if they knew it improved their wellbeing.
Speaking about the partnership, Mr Motivator said, “My mantra has always been that movement is medicine, and the more we get people moving, the better life is. So when SPAR approached me, I thought, let’s sit down and talk about it some more.”
Step To SPAR Challenge
The Step To SPAR Challenge runs from March 20 until April 17. Participants can get involved by walking to their local store and picking up a Step To SPAR card. Show your card every time you walk to SPAR to collect stamps and unlock rewards.
