Wirral grandad of nine smashes British indoor rowing record

Mar 3 2010 by Alan Weston, Birkenhead News

Wirral grandad of nine smashes British indoor rowing record

He said: “After my first wife died I was at a loose end. I was inspired by Ranulph Fiennes’ book Fit for Life which advocated the rowing machine as the best all-round exercise you can do.

“It exercises all the major muscle groups in the body in a safe way. But the main muscle it exercises is your heart.

“It’s not a question of being stronger than everyone else. But can your heart stand up to it? It’s the ability to get your heart rate up, that enables you to win.

“It’s a very good cardiovascular exercise, as well as a popular pastime.”

Kevin puts his fitness down to the fact he took part in competitive cycling as a youngster.

He has also trekked up the Peruvian mountains.

He said: “Being fit gives you benefits right through life, whereas kids at school these days don’t get much exercise.”

Kevin, who retired from his job as a chemical engineer at Unilever at the age of 60, married his second wife Beryl when he was 74. He met the grandmother of six while they were both volunteers at the Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology.

Kevin is modest about the fact he is one of the fittest 80-year-olds in the country.

He said: “I’m lucky that I don’t take any prescription medicines at all.”