A SPORTS therapist is celebrating after winning an award for his work through lockdown.

Jonathan Collier, of Jonathan Collier Injury Rehabilitation, was hailed at the GHP Fitness and Nutrition Awards 2020.

But he admitted to The Bolton News it has been a tough year for his business and the wider industry.

“I’m absolutely overwhelmed to note that I’d even be considered for this award let alone win,” said Jonathan, who is based on Chorley New Road, Bolton.

“It has to be said that 2020 has been a particularly rough year for everyone and I think I can speak for all business owners when I say it’s been a long hard slog with more to come.”

The highlight of a difficult 12 months for Jonathan has been the opening of his sister company, Injury Mechanics.

This has seen him team up with two of Bolton’s leading sports injury specialists, Maria Stansfield and Gus Muncaster.

Jonathan himself has worked with a wide array of professional athletes from rugby league players to professional boxers.

He has testimonials from the likes of Wigan Warriors scrum-half Sam Powell to Bolton-based super-welterweight boxer Jack Flatley and Olympic wrestler Charlie Bowling, who trains at the Aspull Warriors club.

Powell has said: “I have received a number of injuries ranging from ankle ligament strains to lower back pain. No matter what the injury, I felt secure knowing Jonathan is available to treat me and get me back playing as soon as possible.”

Jonathan’s specialist area is providing treatment and rehabilitation to patients with lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints issues.

“The opening of Injury Mechanics means there’s definitely a shine been put on this year amidst it all,” said Jonathan.

“Work has been strange to say the least. I am lucky in regards to the most recent lockdown as I am able to continue to open the clinic and see clients throughout November so I’m fortune defiantly in comparison to say the hospitality industry.

“Luckily, I am confident about what the future hold for the clinic and we have some big plans for Injury Mechanics.

“Myself, Maria and Gus have regular meetings to plan for the future and I’m also asking for feedback from my clients to see what they’d like to see from us.

“I always like to mention or collaborate with local businesses where I can and I think if any business can get through this year then we can defiantly thrive on the other side of it.”

Jonathan was also named the winner of the best therapist of the year prize at the 2019 Bolton Health and Wellbeing Awards.