A head teacher who has battled 20 years of illness, a young mum who has never enjoyed a night out and a devoted father who turned his life around star in a new S4C health and fitness programme.
Head teacher Judith Owen, and young mum Catherine Lewis, both from Caernarfon and Mathew Thomas, from Gaerwen are among five participants who are aiming to transform their lifestyles as part of FFIT Cymru which is broadcast from April 10.
They will embark on a journey of a lifetime, supported, advised and guided by the show’s team of experts; personal trainer Rae Carpenter, dietitian Sioned Quirke and psychologist Dr Ioan Rees.
Mrs Owen, 45, applied to take part in a bid to boost her fitness regime after illness previously prevented her from exercising.
The mum-of-two used to swim for North Wales and train with Wales’ hockey team before she was struck down with Crohn’s Disease 20 years ago. She was also diagnosed with epilepsy, which prevents her from driving, and has even fought MRSA.
However, after medical advice, she is now ready to get fit once again.
Judith, head teacher at Ysgol Foel Gron, Mynytho, said: “I know I have had different periods in my life where I have been fit, but unfortunately I have suffered a lot of illness which caused me to stop.
“Previously I had reasons that I couldn’t exercise. Now I have been advised that I can, but I noticed that I was still making excuses. But now I’m ready to do something about it and start getting fit again. I’m excited to start and adopt a new lifestyle.”
Catherine Lewis, 19, is also ready to tackle her weight worries as they have seriously affected her self-confidence.
This has prevented the mum-of-one from ever enjoying a night out with friends, something she hopes will now change.
She said: “I don’t like going out of the flat unless I have to – I’m nearly 20 and I’ve never been on a night out with friends! I don’t want to be 40 and still haven’t been.”
She was spurred to apply after her fiancé Jac proposed last December. However, her lack of confidence has prevented her from searching for a wedding dress.
Catherine added: “I really want to lose weight before even walking into a wedding dress shop, so I haven’t had the confidence to do this yet. I just really want to look beautiful on our wedding day.
“Obviously I want to feel healthier and learn how to cook more healthy foods too. I think that is really important, particularly as Olivia is affected directly by what I eat, and I wouldn’t want it to impact her health too.”
They will be joined by 33-year-old dad-of-three Mathew Thomas, who is determined to overhaul his fitness and diet.
The electrician previously played rugby, and was even chosen to train with the Wales team. However a serious injury left him unable to play, and as a result he began to gain weight and became unfit.
After this he was sentenced to 12 months in prison, a time he credits with transforming his life and spurring him on to give back to his community and support local causes in Gaerwen.
He said: “My wife mentioned the show to me and I applied there and then. I never expected to be chosen. I am really excited to take part. I love my wife and my kids – they are my world – and I am really happy in my life, but I really want to be more heathy and get back into shape again.”
FFIT Cymru presenter Lisa Gwilym said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with our ‘fab five’ who at our assessment day all showed a real desire to overhaul their lifestyles.
“While each have their own reason for wanting to take part, they are relatable to many people across Wales. A shift worker who skips meals, eats irregularly and unhealthy food, finding it hard to keep up a regular exercise schedule.
“We’re really looking forward to working with them over the next few months to transform their lifestyles and our team of experts will be on hand to support them every step of the way.
“I think our five will be incredibly motivating and inspirational for the people of Wales and I can’t wait for the show to air next month.”
FFIT Cymru is made by Cwmni Da for S4C and will be broadcast from April 10. More online
