I was diagnosed with throat cancer three years ago. The cancer was stage four, which is often classed as terminal. I made it through the 18 months of treatment, which included chemotherapy and radiotherapy, after that I was on bed rest. I remember, one of the first days I was back on my feet, I was sitting on a bench in Rouken Glen Park and saw a British Military Fitness class going on. When I got home I looked it up online, signed up and decided to give it a try.

At first I found the classes a real struggle

When I gave it a try back in February 2012 I weighed 25 stone and 9 lbs. I signed up to membership and at first I found the classes a real struggle. In the beginning I could barely finish the warm-up. I persevered and now a year later I've just moved up from the blue beginner group to the intermediate reds. I went from hardly being able to finish one class, to doing five classes a week. I’d have to say that most of my motivation is down to the instructors and the others in the group. Everyone is so friendly and really motivate me when I feel like giving up.

Since joining BMF I've lost over 6 stone

Since joining British Military Fitness I've lost over 6 stone. At my last weigh-in with the doctors I was 18 stone 12 lbs. I've also lost 16 inches from my waist, going from a 52 inch to a 36 inch.

There are lots of reasons why I love BMF - the instructors are great, and it's a really welcoming environment. Anyone who thinks they couldn't do it is wrong. It's hard work, but it pays off.

A week of fitness in the sun

Last month I went on the SunFit Holiday in Fuerteventura, which is designed and run by British Military Fitness. Basically it’s a week of fitness in the sun. I didn't know anyone before I went but it didn't matter. Within a few hours of being there we had all become a close-knit group of friends, and there was a real sense of camaraderie.

When I signed up for SunFit, and up until about a week before going I wasn't sure I'd be able to do everything, but I was wrong. We did everything from circuits, swimming, mountain climbing, spin classes and I even completed a 14km run.

I'm so glad I decided to go and I would recommend it to anyone. The facilities are excellent and it's a really enjoyable experience. They couldn't have organised it any better, it was out of this world.

A new energy

BMF and SunFit have given me a new energy and now I'm up for anything - I've got a new lease of life and I'm not wasting my second chance at it. Now I'm certain that if the cancer ever did come back I'd be fit enough, and strong enough to fight it off.

Sunfit – this September

You can still book your place for SunFit this September.