Inspirational fitness coach Javeno McClean celebrated for empowering disabled and elderly

Manchester’s own Javeno McClean, a fitness coach and social media sensation, has been honoured in a landmark art installation at London’s St James’s Park.

The installation, created by internationally renowned graffiti artist Luis Gomez De Teran, celebrates Javeno’s remarkable work empowering disabled and elderly individuals through his award-winning J7 Community Health Centre.

As part of the National Lottery’s 30th birthday celebrations, Javeno is one of seven ‘Game Changers’ recognised in this stunning art display.

These individuals are everyday heroes who have transformed their communities.

Javeno McClean – Manchester legend

Their portraits, including Javeno’s, float majestically on the lake at St James’s Park, honouring their lasting impact on Manchester’s community.

For Javeno, this recognition is more than an accolade; it is the culmination of over two decades of dedication to helping others realise their potential, regardless of physical or mental limitations.

Based in Blackley, North Manchester, Javeno’s J7 Community Health Centre has become a hub of hope and empowerment for the disabled, elderly, and those recovering from long-term illnesses like Long Covid.

Javeno McClean’s story

Javeno McClean’s story is unlike any other in the fitness industry.

Ironically, he never liked gyms. “I hated the way gyms made you feel,” he recalled.

“Gyms are often all about egos and insecurities, and I wanted to create a space where everyone, no matter their ability, felt empowered and at ease.”

In his gym, you won’t find the typical focus on body image or strength competitions. Instead, J7 is a space where people with disabilities, stroke survivors, cancer patients, and even those with dementia come to rediscover their strength and enjoy movement in a welcoming, supportive environment.

“People who walk through my door might be battling huge challenges, but when they’re in the gym, that falls away,” Javeno says. “Here, I focus on what they can do, not what they can’t.”

It’s this positive approach that has earned Javeno a devoted following online, where his videos—filled with humour, compassion, and inspiration—have gone viral. With millions of views across social media, Javeno’s message of empowerment has reached far beyond Manchester, with messages of gratitude pouring in from all over the world.

From vision to reality

Javeno’s journey began 15 years ago in his mother’s kitchen, where he first envisioned creating a gym that would cater to everyone. That vision turned into reality with the creation of J7, a place where entire families—from grandparents to grandchildren—can find activities suited to their abilities.

“I wanted to make a space where the whole family could come and do something together. Whether it’s your mum, your granddad, or even your neighbour, there’s something for everyone here,” Javeno explained.

His sessions are tailored to the individual, and the focus is always on inclusion. Stroke survivors, individuals with Down syndrome, and cancer patients all find a home at J7, where Javeno creates unique programmes that challenge their abilities and boost their confidence.

But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Javeno’s passion for working with people with disabilities was sparked when he witnessed a personal trainer treating a client in a wheelchair with condescension, leading to a life-changing moment for both Javeno and the client.

“I couldn’t stand seeing that man being patronised. He had so much more potential than he was being shown. I asked to take over the session, and from that moment, I knew this was my calling,” Javeno recalled.

A global impact

Today, Javeno’s work has transcended Manchester. His videos have inspired people from as far as Mexico, Uganda, and Ukraine, where individuals have started replicating his workouts. Despite this global recognition, Javeno remains grounded in his community, never charging a penny for his sessions with disabled clients in over 21 years of service.

“Seeing people around the world trying my methods is the greatest reward I could ever ask for,” he says. “I’ve never charged for my work with disabled people. Their progress and joy is my payment.”

Javeno’s sessions go beyond just fitness. His clients develop deep, trusting relationships with him, often confiding in him about their personal lives. This trust, he believes, is key to getting the best out of them.

“When I ask them to push themselves, they need to know it’s coming from a place of love and belief. I’m their biggest supporter, and together, we achieve things they never thought possible.”

Inspiring the next generation

Javeno’s work has already inspired thousands, but his mission is far from over. His ultimate goal is to continue showing people, especially those with disabilities, that they are capable of greatness.

“I promise, if you give me half an hour, I’ll make you smile, laugh, and realise that you’re more than whatever challenges you’re facing. That’s my gift, and I won’t stop until everyone feels it.”

For Javeno, being celebrated as a National Lottery ‘Game Changer’ is an honour, but it’s the daily transformation of lives in his gym that truly drives him. As he looks ahead, his vision remains the same: to empower as many people as possible, one workout and one smile at a time.

Manchester has always been a city of change-makers, and with Javeno McClean leading the way, the community can only grow stronger.

Who are the seven other ‘gamechangers’?

• Dame Laura Lee, CEO of Maggie’s cancer care charity for 23 years: Edinburgh founded Maggie’s was the vision of Maggie Keswick Jencks, who had an idea for a different type of cancer care as she lived with advanced cancer for two years. She died in 1995, but Laura, Maggie’s nurse and friend, worked with Maggie’s family to ensure her vision became a reality.
• Ed Parker MBE, founder of Walking with the Wounded: After his nephew lost both legs in Afghanistan, ex-veteran Ed Parker founded military charity Walking with the Wounded, to help tens of thousands of ex-service personnel and their families find their place in society again.
• Trevor Lyttleton MBE, founder of Re-Engage (formerly Contact the Elderly): For over 50 years, Trevor’s charity has held tea parties to tackle the national shame of loneliness in the elderly, with a belief that “all you need is a warm heart, a warm welcome, a downstairs toilet, and a large teapot.”  
• Sandra Igwe, founder of The Motherhood Group: Born from her personal experiences of racism in healthcare, postnatal depression and anxiety, Sandra Igwe is a formidable advocate for Black maternal health and the visionary founder of The Motherhood Group, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting Black mothers through culturally competent care and community-based initiatives.
• Marcus Fair, founder of Eternal Media: Marcus survived a 25-year heroin and crack cocaine addiction, vast swathes of homelessness and multiple prison sentences before going on to found Wrexham charity Eternal Media. Supporting more than 700 offenders and ex-offenders to give them opportunities in filmmaking, and not one has reoffended.
• Conor Largey, Belfast Youth Worker: Transforming his path from skipping school and getting in trouble, to a life dedicated to helping young people achieve their goals and potential, Conor has earned recognition for the positive development of Belfast’s youth sector.

Full biographies on all National Lottery Game Changers can be found here

David Knott, chief executive officer at The National Lottery Community Fund

David Knott, chief executive officer at The National Lottery Community Fund, added: “Celebrating The National Lottery’s 30th birthday is a momentous occasion, and there’s no better way to mark it than by honouring extraordinary people who have changed the game for their communities across the UK, thanks to three decades of support from National Lottery players.

“At The National Lottery Community Fund, we believe everything starts with community. Every three minutes a community shares its dream with us, and every eight minutes, we award a grant to help make those dreams a reality. So, we are thrilled to showcase these powerful stories and hope this incredible installation will inspire even more people to see the difference National Lottery funding could make in their own communities.”

To mark the 30th anniversary of the first draw in 1994, The National Lottery is celebrating 30 inspirational people – Game Changers – who have achieved amazing things across the UK in the last 30 years, with the help of National Lottery funding.

28 Game Changers will be revealed in September and October at four installations which will focus on an area of National Lottery funding including, the arts & film, heritage, sport and community.

The final two Game Changers will be announced on The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash scheduled for broadcast on ITV on 31 December.

The National Lottery has been changing lives every day for the past 30 years, funding thousands of projects which help build resilient, inclusive and environmentally sustainable communities and create healthier and happier lives within a flourishing society. 

This includes more than £391 million in support for small and medium-sized charities, £119 million for children’s and youth organisations and £94.7 million for projects working with people with disabilities each year from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Each year, The National Lottery Community Fund provides £391 million in support for small and medium charities like Javeno’s.