With recorded average lifespan of men living in Barnsley being 4.3% lower than women and 1.2% lower when compared to men living across the UK, Barnsley FC Community Group Fit Reds Veterans are appealing for men in Barnsley to get behind the Fit Reds programme.

The scheme targets men aged 35-years plus to attend the nine-week programme and adopt a better understanding of health and fitness issues, to help them improve their life expectancy.

The programme, which has been running for over seven years, has previously been part-funded through different health related initiatives, however funding has recently come to an end.

Last year, Reds in the Community ran four programmes and made a positive difference to the lives of more than 80 men, helping them to lose more than 120kg in body weight across our nine and 10-week programmes.

Eighty-seven per cent of all participants saw their blood sugar reduce, while all who took part have increased their physical activity and exercise regimes as a direct result of attending Fit Reds.

Forty-five year-old, Mick Clayton, Fits Red Veteran, committee member and local business sponsor for the initiative, commented: “Statistics highlight that men are less likely to be conscious of a healthy lifestyle.

“The Fit Reds programme gives men the opportunity each week to attend an informal workshop with a Community Health Trainer, alongside some progressive, physical activities. Every week, individuals gain a better understanding of the effects bad habits can have on their bodies and how to make changes to improve.”

HGV Driver Shaun Charnley, 54, also a Fit Reds Veteran, commented: “I thought I knew everything there was to know about health and fitness, but after joining Fit Reds back in 2014, I never imagined I would still be so heavily involved participating in so much fitness and maintaining my healthy lifestyle.”

The Fit Reds programme runs at Barnsley Football Club, starting at 7:45pm on Thursday, 25 January at a cost of £3 per session.

Places are limited so all interested in taking part should register as soon as possible by emailing [email protected] or calling Reds in the Community on 01226 211333.