|  Local man receives royal recognition
Jason Matthews recognised by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
Castleford resident Jason Matthews, the owner of Ultimate Physiques Gym, has received a Highly Commended Certificate from City & Guilds’ President, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. He personally presented Jason with his certificate at a special ceremony at the annual Prince Philip Medal ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Jason then joined Prince Philip for a prestigious lunch at the Ritz.
Jason was recognised for his outstanding contribution, commitment and dedication to the Sport and Recreation industry. Due to suffering from severe asthma as a child, Jason left school with few skills or qualifications. However, through sheer determination, Jason has progressed to become an award-winning gym owner.
Jason has been running Ultimate Physiques gym with his wife, Donna, since 2002, and balanced completing his City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ in Instructing Exercise and Fitness with working a 60-hour week, bringing up his two sons and fundraising for local charities. Despite his extensive list of qualifications, Jason is always looking to extend his skills and it currently studying a City & Guilds management course.
The Prince Philip Medal was first established in 1962 to honour those who have, in The Duke of Edinburgh’s own words, ‘travelled the City & Guilds path’ and made the most of their talents. Each year, Prince Philip chooses an overall winner and two people who are highly commended. In line with his 90th birthday in June this year, Prince Philip will step down as President – a post he has held for 59 years - and HRH The Princess Royal has accepted the invitation to become the new President. Going forward, she will continue the Prince Philip Medal programme.
Speaking about his award, Jason said: ‘I feel really, really honoured to be recognised with a Prince Philip Medal – particularly as The Duke of Edinburgh chooses the award winners himself. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience to be invited to Buckingham Palace and taken for lunch at the Ritz! I love the work I do – not just running Ultimate Physiques, but also taking part in the programme to help under privileged children, and it’s a wonderful feeling to have my work recognised’.
CEO and Director General of City & Guilds, Chris Jones said: ‘City & Guilds firmly believe in the importance of celebrating the achievements of both our current and past learners. It is an incredible honour to be highly commended for the Prince Philip Medals. Jason should be really proud of what he’s accomplished and I hope he sees further success in the future’.
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