Coventry granddad, 91, hires personal trainer

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgrx43gq0no

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Rhys Williams has been taking part in regular fitness sessions

A 91-year-old great-grandfather has hired a personal trainer in an attempt to keep up with his grandchildren.

Rhys Williams, from Coventry, played squash until he was 70, tennis until the age of 80, and celebrated his 90th birthday with a ski trip.

More recently he had found himself slowing down so decided to sign up to regular fitness sessions with an instructor.

Mr Williams, who has many grandchildren, told BBC CWR he knew he would have to give up one day, but asked: "Why not put it off as long as you can?"

He was inspired to get into fitness after finding it more difficult to get up and do daily tasks such as going upstairs, or getting in and out of a chair, he said.

"I thought, well, it can only get worse unless I do anything to try and make it better," he explained.

The 91-year-old is a grandfather to many and great-grandfather to one

Personal trainer Sophie Kennedy said she spent a lot of sessions with Mr Williams listening to his stories.

She said people she told about her client were "quite surprised and also inspired by the fact that someone who is 91 is still working with a personal trainer and actually focusing on their fitness and their health".

"It's very very impressive and he just gets on with it," she added.

Mr Williams works with instructor Sophie Kennedy during the sessions

Mr Williams does not have any fitness goals but said his "greatest achievement" was becoming a great-grandfather for the first time.

"I've got an almost one-year-old great-granddaughter, who's really fascinating," he said.

"[I] just like to keep up with the grandchildren, or nearly keep up with them for as long as I can."

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