Those that know me will know that post cancer and menopause has had a huge negative affect on my body shape, going from my comfortable size 6 to this uncomfortable size 14 which has also influenced my mental health and physical fitness.  Well this is about to change!

My challenge is to transform this ageing, unfit and overweight body and to this end I have entered a Bikini level bodybuilding competition which takes place on 18th November 2018. My training starts 1st May 2018 and I am under no illusion that this will be one of my toughest ever challenges. Not only am I overweight and unfit but I am also on the wrong side of 55 to start this level of body transformation, not forgetting my love chocolate, cake and alcohol. 

Anyway the before photos have been taken (will post with my first update photo at end of each month) and the first batch of meals have been prepped and I will be in the gym at 7am tomorrow making what will no doubt be a painful and exhausting start to this journey. 

My chosen charity is Forward U.K. (Foundation for Women's Health Research and Development) which tackles discriminatory practices that affect the dignity and well-being of girls and women. Focusing on female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage and obstetric fistula. 

These issues affect many young girls and currently there are around 60,000 young girls in the U.K. at risk of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). They suffer unimaginable pain and suffering through practices that transforms young bodies and although my challenge is incomparable it does represent a body transformation and this is why I have chosen this challenge.

I hope you will all support me, encourage me and above all visit the Forward U.K. website and inform yourselves of the plight of these young girls across the World and help spread awareness at every opportunity.