Date: 18/09/2009
Despite suffering diabetes and prostate cancer, a Glossop pensioner has climbed Britain's highest mountain for a second time.
And Keith Thompson reckons he would not have managed the feat but for a six-week fitness programme that he followed at Glossop Leisure Centre, run by DC Leisure for High Peak Borough Council.
Now others can try out the Kinetika gym equipment used by 65-year-old Keith, as the leisure centre is offering a free seven-day pass that is also available for New Mills Leisure Centre.
For further information, call the Glossop centre on (01457) 842272 or visit www.kinetikagyms.co.uk.
Keith and his cousin set off for the summit of Ben Nevis at 8.45am on a bright Monday morning in May and, after just two hours of steady climbing, were more than halfway to the top.
When they reached the snowline, their ascent became progressively more gruelling but they persevered and reached the top. The descent through deep snow was even more difficult but the duo made it back to their youth hostel accommodation at 6.30pm - delighted that they were still able to walk.
Said Keith: "I rose to the challenge, had a fantastic time and raised more than £900 for the national charity for the Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. But I'm convinced I wouldn't have made it without the training I put in at Glossop Leisure Centre with my instructor, Lee.
"The Kinetika Journey Programme really helped me improve my overall stamina and leg endurance", he revealed.
Said Andrew Bingham, Executive Councillor for Social and Community Development: "To climb Ben Nevis twice is a truly amazing achievement, and it's made even better by the fact that Keith has raised a lot of money for a worthy cause.
"Keith's success also underlines the benefits of following a personal exercise plan using specialist gym equipment. I would urge others to follow in Keith's footsteps, not necessarily by climbing Ben Nevis but by enrolling for the Kinetika journey programme".