Health and Fitness Advisor Joe Astbury.
Joe Astbury has been the Service’s Health and Fitness Advisor for 15 years.
He is the friendly face that all operational staff will meet at some point in their careers.
But before joining in 2009, Joe worked for the NHS, Bannatyne Health Club and even did a stint in Toys R Us.
Growing up, he aspired to be a journalist or a DJ, however, his career took a very different path!
These days Joe, 41, can be found assessing the fitness of our operational staff, determining whether they are able to achieve the minimum standard required for their role.
“My job gets me out and about around the county,” he said.
“I am one of the few people in the Service has a one-on-one interaction with all operational staff at some point in their career,” he said.
“It’s brilliant because it means that I know everyone wherever I go!”
The best part of his job?
“Seeing people achieve their goals,” Joe said.
“This could be through a weight loss journey or passing a fitness assessment that they once struggled to complete.
“Being a part of that process is so rewarding.”
Joe was raised in Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire until he moved to Newcastle with his family in 1990.
A year later Joe attended his first football match and has been a massive Newcastle United supporter ever since, following his beloved club both at home and away.
“I always welcome a good chat about the Toon and football in general,” he said.
“Spending quality time with my partner, Natalie, and our children is massively important to me.
“I also enjoy cooking and, of course, keeping fit!”
