An inspirational OAP is set to become a personal trainer aged 78

A DETERMINED pensioner is set to become a personal trainer – at the age of 78.

Former cop Les Durance revealed he was in a bad way when his wife died last year.

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And he confessed he probably wouldn’t have survived if he hadn’t signed up to a gym and found personal trainer George Rea.

Despite an age gap of five decades the pair formed a bond and got the OAP whipped into shape.

Les said: “If it hadn’t been for George, this young man some 50 years younger than me, I’d be in the graveyard now.

“I was in a bad place but thanks to his nutrition plan, his personal training, his effort and determination to see me through I’ve improved my body, I’ve improved my mind.

“So thank you, George. You do a brilliant job.”

Les was a police officer in London for 30 years before he moved north with wife Linda.

The businessman settled in Grantown-on-Spey and established a care provider which helps vulnerable and excluded kids.

Cancer survivor Les realised he needed help himself and signed up with the Anytime Fitness gym in Inverness.

Talking to the Inverness Courier, he said: “I was always reasonably fit, but I’m probably stronger now than when I was 40.

“When my wife died in January 2023 I was in a dark place. I came to the gym and that’s where I met George.

“He said I was working out well and I got more and more into it. I love it.

“Working out is like being a child opening their Christmas presents. Seeing my improvement excites me.”

Les now trains up to six times a week and wants to inspire others who were in the same situation he was.

He said: “At 78, people say you are in God’s waiting room at the train station.

“But I’m not ready to jump on that train yet.

“It’s all about having the right mentality, the determination, motivation and leaving junk food alone.

“If I can do this at 78 then I can say to someone that they can do it at 50. I want to help the average person improve.”

George paid tribute to his unbelievable client and his incredible transformation. 

He said: “I’ve had a lot of people in their 50s and 60s who think they can’t build muscle at that age.

“But for them to see Les it is quite inspiring as he has walked the walk. 

He can motivate them. I’m proud of Les and the way that he carries his energy.

“He has got much stronger in his physical appearance and he is more confident too.”