Yvonne set for new Operation Transformation
Carlingford café owner Yvonne Keenan-Ross will begin her journey on the RTE hit series Operation Transformation tonight ( Wednesday).
The north Louth woman was chosen as the fifth and final leader on the show which begins its eight week campaign to improve the health and fitness of the nation.
‘I think I’m realising this is really happening now!’ Yvonne told the Argus.
‘I’ve been very busy both at the cafe and at home over the Christmas period, and now I know the challenge is beginning,’ she explained as the camera’s were preparing to roll.
‘I know that it is going to be tough, especially being filmed all the time, whether I’m having a good day or bad day. But I’ve had so much support locally, which is brilliant, and my family really are willing me on.’
Yvonne runs ‘Liberty cafe’ with her husband Stephen in Carlingford, and they have two children: Luke (14) and Karla (11).
She explained how the last few years have been particularly difficult.
Five years ago, husband Stephen was diagnosed with stomach cancer and had to have major surgery, and in turn give up work. Yvonne cared for him throughout his treatment. Last year, a secondary cancer was found in Stephen’s lungs. This meant more surgery and more treatment. Thankfully, Stephen has had a second clear scan and is delighted to be in remission.
In that time, there was of course little opportunity to think about weight, but Yvonne told how after seeing herself in a full length mirror on holidays ’I realised that I needed to make a change.’
She adds that her motivation for doing the show is that she wants to be ‘a shining example to her children so they will choose a healthy, active lifestyle for themselves as they grow older. And she would love to get fit so that she could be more confident with her body.
Yvonne begins her journey tonight ( Wednesday) on RTE 1 at 8.30pm