Ffit Cymru seeking its next participants
THIS time last year, five special people across Wales felt like they needed a big change in their lives.
With television series FFIT Cymru inviting applications from people to be part of series three, Kevin Jones from Ruthin, Ruth Evans from Llanllwni, Elen Rowlands from Ruthin, Rhiannon Harrison from Aberystwyth and Iestyn Owen Hopkins from Caernarfon, all decided to put their names forward.
Less than six months later, and after excelling in the series despite the challenges of lockdown, the five leaders had achieved a stunning transformation.
During the six weeks of the series, they had lost almost 10 stone between them, brought about significant improvements to their health and rediscovered their self-confidence.
Teacher Iestyn Owen Hopkins, from Caernarfon, said: “I feel like a new person.
“To think how I was six months ago and how I am now, I’m a totally different person on the inside and outside.
“So much has changed over the last six months and the most important lesson I’ve learnt is to always have faith in yourself.”
Mother-of-two Rhiannon Harrison, from Aberystwyth, said: “As a mum, you never take time for yourself – I was right down at the bottom of the list.
“But I started to make a bit of time for myself, started working out and that really helped my mental health.
“I can’t believe some of the things I used to tell myself and the way I would describe myself. It was so unhealthy and unkind.
“If you have a positive mental attitude, you are more likely to succeed.”
Dentist Elen Rowlands, from Ruthin, said: “I feel great. Before, I wasn’t happy in anything I wore, and I would wear a black, high-neck outfit to take attention away from my body.
“But now, there is no better feeling that buying clothes and them being too big for me, so that I have to try on a smaller size.
“It’s as though FFIT Cymru was the driving test and then you learn to drive for yourself, by adapting the plan around your lifestyle.”
Kevin Jones, a father of four and step-father of four from Ruthin, no longer has to take medication to treat diabetes, as a result of his FFIT Cymru transformation.
He said: “2020 was a big year for everyone and it changed my attitude towards keeping fit, eating healthily and living longer.
“The experience of being on FFIT Cymru, and what we’ve all learned about ourselves, has been unforgettable.
“I feel different in every way. Now I have health, hope and confidence, and the future looks very bright.”
And at the beginning of 2021, the programme is looking for people who want to become leaders in the next series of FFIT Cymru, which starts in April.
If you would like to change direction and start leading a healthier lifestyle with the support of three health experts – what have you got to lose?
Go to www.s4c.cymru/ffitcymru to apply today. The closing date for applications is on Sunday 31 January.
Lisa Gwilym, FFIT Cymru presenter, said: “FFIT Cymru is here to help the people of Wales feel better about themselves and every year, the programme brings a smile, not only to the five leaders, but to the large number of viewers who are also following the food and fitness plans from home.
“This year, there is another chance for five people to go on this inspirational journey. What have you got to lose?”
To apply to become a FFIT Cymru leader, go to www.s4c. cymru/ffitcymru and click on Apply Now.
If you have any questions, give the FFIT Cymru team a call on 07483 904452 or email ffitcymru@ cwmnida.tv.