A FITNESS fanatic who was nearly killed in a horrific head-on car crash has launched an exhibition aimed at tackling obesity and unhealthy living.

Dave Gooderham

A FITNESS fanatic who was nearly killed in a horrific head-on car crash has launched an exhibition aimed at tackling obesity and unhealthy living.

Michelle Plowman admitted she is lucky to be alive after suffering severe brain damage in the accident.

Her injuries took five years to heal and it was as she started her slow road to recovery - which included having to learn to talk again - that her outlook on life completely changed.

Speaking at the weekend at the launch of her sports and healthy living exhibition, Physical Freedom, she said: “The accident has certainly made me realise to take life more seriously as you don't know how long you have got. It has changed my perspective on life as I know I was very lucky.”

Ms Plowman, 39, who lives in Little Wratting, near Haverhill, was critically injured in the accident on the A11 in 1992.

But following a full recovery, she became a qualified aerobics instructor and yesterday launched Physical Freedom.

Aimed for all ages and abilities, Ms Plowman said she was determined to help improve peoples' lives across the region in response to the Government's drive for healthier living.

She said: “I have never done anything like this before but I have a very strong passion for health and fitness and I wanted to give something back.

“I have a strong desire to make a difference in peoples' lives and this spurred me on to organise this event which I hope informed people about different activities and healthy options.

“People lead very busy lives these days and a lot of people neglect themselves and their families. The event demonstrates ways of improving how you live in areas such as healthy eating and fitness activities for the whole family.

“It is about having fun but also education. Obesity is a massive issue at the moment but it is not just about fitness, you have to get the balance right.”

Held at Chilford Hall, in Linton, near Haverhill, the exhibition included various motivational speakers while a specialist nurse from Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, spoke about diabetes in children.

Backed by dozens of sports, health and fitness organisations from around the region, live sports demonstrations included kickboxing, yoga, pilates, breakdancing and football.