Reds winger and Health Ambassador Ryan Hedges has thrown his support behind the new Fit Reds programme at Oakwell.

The nine-week programme, which gets underway tonight at Oakwell, is aimed at men aged 35 and over to help them make positive changes to their lifestyles and diets.

In 2017, the programme saw more than 80 participants attend, losing a total of 123kg in weight between them and reducing their blood pressure by 87% throughout their time on the course.

Hedges feels it is vitally important that given its success since it was created, the programme continues to make positive lifestyle changes to people across Barnsley.

The winger, who stepped into the role as health ambassador in December, commented: “It’s great to continue playing an active part in helping to promote fantastic and potentially life-changing initiatives RITC run.

“The award winning programme proved last year just how successful it can be, helping over 80 participants in the local community make changes to their lifestyle throughout their nine and ten week programmes.

“I’m supporting the programme having seen and heard about the positive differences it is making and long may the programme’s success continue.”

The sessions consist of a lifestyle team talk delivered in association with Be Well Barnsley and a range of fitness drills, circuits and exercises throughout the course of the evening.

Due to popular demand, we have no spaces remaining on the first course of 2018, something which Hedges finds encouraging.

“A lot of people will be looking to start, or get back into, a New Year fitness regime and it’s great to see so many people taking this fantastic opportunity to do.

“The programme will continue to go from strength to strength and hopefully the figures in terms of weight loss and reduction in blood pressure will be even better this year,” he added.