I know I have over the years bored many of you with details of my near-death experience of 17th December 1998. Anyway, after coming out of a coma and off a ventilator three nights later, of the many things said to me, the one I remember most clearly is the consultant’s explanation of how and why I survived the experience.

“Your fitness is the main reason you are still here.” She told me the skills of the doctors and nurses helped, but suggested my body being able to “take it all” was critical.

So, there you have it! The exertions I frequently post on social medis are not entirely a vanity project. They are a bid to enhance my chances of continuing to enjoy this wonderful and blessed journey called life. Then again, and it has to be said, looking good while at it doesn’t hurt…