27 March 2023
With 1 in 4 of the Welsh population overweight, taking care of our health is more important than ever. And at the beginning of April, the FFIT Cymru series will return to share positive and inspirational ideas with the nation.
Over a two-month period, five leaders from all over Wales will be aiming to transform their health by following bespoke fitness and food plans set by the programme's four experts: Personal Trainer Rae Carpenter, Psychologist Dr Ioan Rees, Dietitian Beca Lyne-Pirkis and new to the team this year, Motivator Connagh Howard.
Starting on Tuesday 4 April on S4C with Lisa Gwilym presenting, the experts will be sharing advice and work closely with the leaders on how to keep fit, look after your mental health and wellbeing and advise on how to eat healthily.
The five leaders for this year's series are:
Andrea Davies-Tuthill, 52-year-old Nurse from Merthyr Tydfil, Dylan Parry, 34-year-old Minister from Bridgend, Kelly O'Donnell, 41 years old from Bethel near Caernarfon who is an Assistant on maternity leave, Linette Gwilym, a 33-year-old Social Worker from Llanrug and Mathew Rees, a 45-year-old Butcher from Carmarthen.
FFIT Cymru will be here to offer support to everyone, and it's possible for YOU to take part at home too by following the special food and fitness plans online on the FFIT Cymru website, www.s4c.cymru/fitcymru, and on social media @ffitcymru, all for free.
Siwan Haf, producer of the series, said: "FFIT Cymru can help people stay healthy - both physically and mentally. This is a unique multimedia platform that can offer guidance and a practical helping hand.
"We have already seen the incredible impact and transformation that FFIT Cymru has had on the lives of the leaders of our previous series, and we look forward to following the journey of our five new leaders who will receive advice at every stage of this unique tour from our four experts - which will inspire viewers at home as well."
Conagh Howard will be joining the team of experts this year as a Motivator, and is looking forward to the challenge:
"I can't wait to start and I'm really looking forward to seeing the leaders on their journey and where it takes them.
"Everyone on the panel brings a unique skill and I hope to bring something a little different to the series, a feeling of being part of a team, and the importance of that and the impact it can have.
"Fitness is something that has always been a big part of my life and having the opportunity to help others with that is such an incredible experience and I'm just really proud to be able to help people.
"I'm not going to be too hard on them, but of course I'm going to push them because sometimes people don't realize what they are capable of. It might be difficult if someone isn't open to the whole process but some of the leaders have tried a lot of things in the past that haven't worked for them, so I want to show them what is possible.
"For those watching at home who want to improve their fitness I would say the best thing is to start slowly and not try to do too much too quickly. If you just make small changes, like going for a walk for twenty minutes a day and start cutting small things out of your diet that are not so good for you, after a while it will start to make a difference.
"I try to do some exercise every day, like going for a walk, swimming or going to the gym - it's so important to move your body and it's good for your mental health too."
Notes to Editors:
Information about the Leaders
Andrea Davies-Tuthill, aged 52 from Merthyr Tydfil
Andrea is married to Gwynne and is the mother of two daughters, Carys (21) and Cerian (19), stepmother to Jenna and owner of 4 dogs. She is a nurse in an operating theatre and has a second job as a Major in the Army Reserves and has been out in Afghanistan as part of her work. Recently, Andrea has finished treatment for breast cancer and is keen to get her health and strength back as she hasn't been able to exercise as she used to.
Dylan Parry, aged 34 from Bridgend
Dylan is originally from Caernarfon but moved to South Wales in 2021. He is the Minister of two churches – the Tabernacle in Pen-y-Bont ar Ogwr, and Tabernacle in Porthcawl. He's also a member of CF1 choir and describes himself as a bubbly person who likes to tease and put a smile on people's faces.
Kelly O'Donnell, aged 41 from Bethel, near Caernarfon
Kelly is the mother of four boys: three with her ex-husband, Rory, who died four years ago – Callum (20), Codey (15), Riley (13) – and a baby, Eban (9 months), with her former partner. She's a Senior Assistant on maternity leave and also taught dancing for the Angylion Kelly dancing group for 24 years. She is very close to her two sisters and her parents who also live in the village. As a busy mother, she finds it difficult to find the time to stay active like she used to.
Linette Gwilym, aged 33 from Llanrug
Linette and her husband Iolo live in Llanrug with their sons Gruff (9), Owain (7) and Ifan (4). She is a Social Worker and runs her own business. Linette and her family have had a very difficult 18 months as Ifan went through treatment for cancer on his kidneys. Now that that's over, Linette is keen to turn her attention to improving her and her husband's health. Also knowing that Ifan only has one kidney, she wants to be in the best possible shape if she or Iolo needs to give him a kidney. She considers herself a very positive person but has lost confidence.
Matthew Rees, aged 45 from Carmarthen
Matthew and his wife Lydia live in Carmarthen. He is the father of two children with his former partner - Hanna (11) and Tomos (9) - and Lydia has two children with her former partner - Deio (8) and Iago (6). He works as a Butcher for the family business and coaches Nantgaredig under 9 rugby team and the Carmarthen Stars football for under 9 and under 6. He doesn't feel fit enough for the coaching compared to the other coaches after putting on weight in the last six years. He had sepsis 4 years ago, and a clot on the lungs as a result of Covid-19.
FFIT Cymru
Tuesday 4 April Ebrill 9.00, S4C
English subtitles available
On demand: S4C Clic, iPlayer and other platforms
A Cwmni Da production for S4C Isdeitlau Saesneg
