IT began as a chance to lose weight and get fit.

But the latest volunteers on LiveWire’s free Fit to Tackle programme say it has been a life-changing experience.

And despite shedding more than three stone in just 12 weeks, one participant said weight loss almost became irrelevant compared to the other benefits of the course.

Cheryl Leyland and Keith Daniels completed the latest programme.

Since finishing, dad-of-two Keith has stopped taking anxiety medication, quit smoking and made new friends.

The 35-year-old hospital worker struggled with social anxiety and at one time was afraid to go outside or cross roads.

He said: “At first I thought I would love to try the course but I’m not sure. It was harder than I expected.

“The session on mental health and physical health was a big one for me, I found I could relate to everything they were saying. It was quite emotional.”

At first he said some of the training exercises were difficult, such as flipping tyres and running around the building, but he was overwhelmed by the support of the mentors and other volunteers.

Keith now regularly takes classes at Orford Jubilee Hub with friends and no longer feels ruled by anxious thoughts. He said: “I got the one thing out of it that I had needed for years – and that was acceptance.”

While the course develops physical fitness, it also focuses on mental wellbeing. Keith and Cheryl said a meeting with mental health charity State of Mind was a ‘turning point’.

Cheryl, a 37-year-old carer, remembered: “It was just unbelievable, people opened up about their stories. It isn’t easy to train by yourself, you feel like people are watching you. But most of the time it’s in your own head.

“My confidence has grown massively. It’s taught me that nothing’s impossible, if I put my mind to it I can do it.”

Cheryl, who lost 3 stone 2lbs, felt she had wasted her gym membership before taking the course because she never wanted to go.

After signing up to the course she said: “I was very reluctant. It was daunting and women can be quite catty. At first it was like an argument with myself just to get out the car. But something clicked and you just get on with it.

“You turn up wanting to lose weight and get fitter but by the end that’s just a perk. Now I’ve just started a new job. I didn’t have the confidence before.”

But she said she can’t look at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in the same way at matches now after running up and down all the steps during a training session: “I don’t know how but you find the strength when you see your friends nearby.

“Don’t be frightened to just keep going.”