SHE only intended to make a few friends, but Fitmums and Friends founder Sam Barlow has become an inspiration to many.
What began with just five mums in Cottingham in 2009, has evolved into a network of more than 370 members over four clubs throughout Hull and the East Riding.
And now, Mrs Barlow has been shortlisted for a Voluntary and Community award at this year's Women of Achievement Awards to recognise her dedication.
She said: "It's for women who are very exceptional and have achieved amazing things, so it feels a bit weird.
"I couldn't believe it. When I put the phone down, I thought, 'did that really happen?'"
The news comes after Mrs Barlow won the Community Sports award at the Mail's Pride of East Yorkshire awards in September.
"It was amazing to be nominated for the Pride of East Yorkshire and win that," said Mrs Barlow.
"That was just the best thing that could have happened.
"Fitmums might have been my tiny little idea a few years ago, but it wouldn't have happened without this massive network of other volunteers who turn out week in, week out.
"I love it so much. It's become a bit of a monster, but it is one I can't walk away from because you only have to hear people's stories and know what good it's doing that it's not something I can leave now."
For Mrs Barlow, the good news comes after a difficult year for her family.
Her husband, Mike, underwent his fourth dangerous operation in January to remove a rare tumour.
"It was a really difficult time for us as a family and, thankfully, he is making a good recovery, but it is just one of those things that we have to live with," said Mrs Barlow.
"He has a fantastic attitude to life and he is very supportive of Fitmums and everything I do.
"He is one of the coaches, so he is very active within it and having that as something to strive to get back to has been really important.
"To think of the position we were in in January and to see where he is now, and where we are as a family, and to think we've been nominated for two awards is just incredible.
"It's not a position we could have ever have imagined."
The awards ceremony, organised by Women In Business, will take place tomorrow at Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel, in Willerby, with guest speaker Katie Piper.
