The much-loved Olympian is spending her lockdown at home on the outskirts of Sheffield with a view of the Peak District
Jessica Ennis-Hill’s life always runs at a pace and lockdown hasn’t changed that. Home life on the outskirts of Sheffield is shared with husband Andy, son Reggie, five and little Liv, two.
A makeshift ‘schoolroom’ finds itself in the conservatory and the gym is in the garage where Jessica can be found doing her regular online workouts for us all to share. She’s got PE lessons covered: ‘Reggie’s been coming for a run with me’ and likes to maintain a routine in the day for them all.
‘I keep some structure with a bit of playing, a bit of learning,’ she says. The children love Jackanory and have been delighted to see her popping up on the TV screen. ‘I did three stories so they get excited when they come on!’
Something in Yorkshire that makes you smile
The Peak District is right on the doorstep and being able just to look out and see that landscape is great whatever the weather. I grew up in the city centre and feel lucky to see and appreciate the countryside – and it’s only a ten-minute drive into the city.
A place you love to eat
We love going out for brunch and Kommune in Sheffield is a place that does lots of different types of food in a really relaxed open dining environment. At the minute at home it’s been a nice thing having time to do some cooking, not rushing back from the school run to start cooking – the process can take all day!
A place to take friends
We’d go to Kelham Island in the centre of Sheffield – it has nice cafes, shops and places to eat – and the museum.
A childhood memory
Don Valley Stadium! I started athletics when I was ten and this was in the heart of the industrial part of the city. I loved the summer camps.
I will certainly encourage my children to be active and enjoy exercise – sport gives you so much – I wouldn’t necessarily encourage them in athletics because it’s a lot of pressure to be compared to mum!
A cultural go-to
Weston Park Museum is somewhere we like to go with the children and we love being out in nature – or a trip to the National Railway Museum in York.
Inspiration outdoors
The Peak District. The views, the beauty and the space to step away from the stresses.
A place for indulgence
The Forge Bakehouse on Abbeydale Road for pastries and cronuts when you are feeling naughty!
A Yorkshire view that inspires
When you see the city skyline in Sheffield when the train starts to pull into the station and you know you’re home.
I’m never happier than when…
I’m with my family. This funny way of living is strange for so many reasons but an advantage is that we are spending quality time together. My husband usually leaves at 6am, now we’re all having breakfast together, and I’m not travelling for days or weeks.
Three words that sum up your best Yorkshire life
Countryside, friendliness and food.
