ACCEPTING the challenge to be fitter in 2007 has not been without its ups and downs for Richard Rawsthorne. However, his determination to carry on, despite setbacks, is an inspiration.

When he first wrote to us in December last year Richard, of Newton Heath, was keen to make positive changes to his lifestyle, for both himself and his family. His decision was prompted, in no small part, by the anticipation of two milestones for 2007 - his 25th wedding anniversary in June and his 50th birthday in December.

However, while the will was there, Richard needed help in working out the best way for him to incorporate more exercise into his everyday routine.

"We hope to go abroad to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary but due to my weight and size I don't know how I would stand with that," he wrote. "I was hoping your challenge, under expert instruction would spur me on, help me lose some weight and get much fitter."

The quest for fitness in Richard's adult life had been overshadowed by his involvement in a mining accident at Golborne colliery near Wigan in 1979.

Richard was the sole survivor of an explosion, which killed three of his work colleagues instantly and claimed the lives of another seven, who died later in hospital.

He was left with severe burns covering 80 per cent of his body, the recovery from which involved two spells in intensive care and eight operations.

Hospital

Richard was too heavily sedated to remember much of his first hospital stay but he recalls his second stay, three months later, for much more than the corrective plastic surgery he underwent at that time, for it was there that he first set eyes on his wife, Jane.

"Jane was one of the nurses on the ward," he remembers fondly. "We got chatting and I asked if she fancied meeting up when I got out of hospital. She said, 'Yes' and that was it - we got married in June 1982 and we've got two lovely children, Lisa 23 and Richard, 21."

As well as wanting to be fitter to take Jane on holiday, Richard has set himself a further incentive to complete the run - raising sponsorship for Doves Nest Nursing Home where Jane works in Clayton Bridge.

"I've found that having a goal to aim for has been very useful," says Richard, who has already decided to carry on with his new fitness goals after next month's BUPA Great Manchester Run by signing up for next year's event with the hope of improving on his time.

"I've had a few setbacks because I had a bad bout of flu and I get a lot of trouble with arthritis in my joints from the accident, which means I can't exercise as much as I'd like. I know that the weight makes my arthritis worse, but the arthritis stops me exercising, so it's a catch 22.

"But having the goal has given me the incentive to get back into it. I'm being very realistic. I'm going to be doing a little bit of jogging but I'll be mostly walking.

"I'm trying to make more small changes, like walking to the paper shop instead of taking the car and snacking on fruit rather than chocolate. I've lost two-and-a-half stones and I'm feeling much better. Since I put on weight I always struggled sleeping. I didn't sleep well at night and would feel very tired during the day.

"But since I've changed my diet and have been doing more exercise I've found that instead of four to five hours of sleep, I'm getting a good seven to eight hours a night and I'm not napping during the day.

"I generally feel better and less tired. Even when it's a struggle I know what I'm aiming for and I'm thankful for this chance."

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