Before the lockdown Richard Leach worked part time for South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture as a sports coach taking classes at various centres in Larkhall, Carluke, East Kilbride and Blantyre.

He was also a coach for Motherwell Athletics Club, working two nights and two days per week.

His coaching work extended to his family, spending plenty of time training with his daughter who is a middle distance runner.

And if that wasn’t enough to be getting on with Richard rehearsed one night per week with his band, Strange-Bru, with gigs most weekends at weddings or corporate events.

And as he qualified as a retained firefighter just before lockdown he is busier than ever with drill nights each week at Lesmahagow fire station.

Richard said: “My life was a very busy one but I also loved spending time at home as much as I could, especially now as I never know when my pager will go off and I have to rush off to a fire or some other emergency.

“Post lockdown all work stopped. All sport centres and wedding venues closed, voluntary work with Motherwell AC stopped, training with my daughter and best friend had to stop.”

But undeterred, Richard looked around for other ways to keep himself busy helping others in the community.

Nowadays, Richard divides his time volunteering full time in Hillhouse Children’s House on different shifts whilst remaining on call with fire service duties.

He said: “I thought my life was hectic before the Coronavirus affected everyone’s lives, but now I am actually working more hours than ever.”

Richard is taking advantage of the many challenges that his new duties have presented.

He said: “I am learning new skills from the professional care staff I am working with who have all been so welcoming. Genuine caring people. It really has opened my eyes to a whole range of issues and opportunities to help others.”

He admits the downside to his new work regime is less time with his family especially as his partner Lynn Donald is also volunteering where and when she can.

And his new life has also made him realise just how important his singing was to him.

Richard admitted: “I never knew I would miss it so much. Luckily I can still get out for a run or cycle most days which really helps me clear my mind and de-stress and escape for a bit.”

But with Richard’s new role at the children’s house he has seamlessly transferred his old skills as a sports coach to keep the young people active, supporting positive mental health and their health and wellbeing.

Richard explained: “I have to help keep them safe and secure, maintaining routines and introducing them to some form of exercise, which is important with the added stress caused by the restrictions of lockdown.

“Young people often have barriers preventing them getting involved in sport. I am delighted to be able to help break down some of these barriers by building up a relationship and using my knowledge to teach them and introduce them to sport.

“We are also discussing the many opportunities that will become available to them after lockdown, clubs they can get involved in which will help them build new skills, positive relationships and self-confidence.”

Richard has been developing some new skills of his own that he too looks forward to using once he returns to sports coaching now he has an even better understanding of young people.

He admits: “Lockdown has been a real life-changer for all of us but I am so delighted to be benefitting from all the opportunities that have come my way which will be so useful once this is all over and normal life, whatever that may be, returns.”