Pilates, community and giving back: Hungerford instructor shares inspiring story

A well known local fitness instructor has been sharing his story with Kennet Radio, highlighting not just the benefits of Pilates, but also a remarkable journey from Sierra Leone to West Berkshire and the charity work that continues to shape his life.

Beejacks, who teaches across Hungerford, Newbury and the surrounding areas, described how his passion for movement began at a young age. “Since I was five, six years old, I was just inspired by dancing,” he said.

That early passion led him to perform and win competitions before eventually leaving Sierra Leone during a difficult period. “The opportunity came for us to go to Gambia… then I met my wife there, and she brought me to England,” he explained.

Arriving in the UK, Beejacks built a career from the ground up, initially working in fitness before expanding into multiple disciplines. “I hardly spoke English when I came here… but I managed to do my course and qualified,” he said.

Today, he teaches a wide range of classes including Pilates, aqua fitness and group exercise sessions across several local venues.

Speaking about Pilates, Beejacks explained its origins and purpose. “Pilates is a mind body system of fitness exercise… the first name of Pilates was Contrology,” he said, referring to its founder Joseph Pilates.

He described how the practice has evolved over time, with modern approaches incorporating equipment such as bands and rollers while maintaining the same core principles. “All aimed at controlling the core and the body… the movements are quite slow, but they do something for our bodies,” he explained.

The benefits go beyond physical fitness. “It helps the body to build up flexibility, build up strength, and improve mental awareness,” he said, adding that breathing and concentration are key elements of the practice.

Beejacks is keen to stress that Pilates is accessible to everyone. “Pilates is for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or recovering from injury… all ages, it’s for everyone,” he said.

Alongside his fitness work, Beejacks also runs the Tombo Foundation, a charity supporting a village in Sierra Leone. The idea came from a deeply personal place. “One night I just dreamt… you need to give something back in Sierra Leone,” he said.

Since founding the charity in 2013, he has raised more than £35,000, helping to build classrooms and support a local school. “We have over 70 kids now with five teachers running the school,” he explained, giving credit to the local community. “The people that come to my classes… they are the ones who did it.”

A fundraising quiz night is taking place at the British Legion in Hungerford on 20 March, starting at 7.15pm, with all proceeds going towards supporting teachers at the school.

Beejacks says the combination of fitness, community and giving back is what drives him. “I’m so proud of Hungerford… and the surrounding towns where I do my classes,” he said.