A heart attack survivor is celebrating after qualifying as a fitness instructor at the age of 61.

Steve Morley, from west Suffolk, suffered a heart attack at the age of 58 while he was competing in a seven-mile race.

He was a keen runner who had always enjoyed good health, so the heart attack came as a bitter blow. He had doubts about whether he would still be able to run or remain active.

Following the health scare, Mr Morley reassessed his life and career choice. He had been working for a local authority, which often meant working long hours in stressful situations.

He was even considering early retirement until he saw an advertisement for the InstructAbility Programme. The project was originally created by the spinal injury charity, Aspire and fitness training provider YMCAfit, to enable unemployed, disabled people to train as gym instructors.

Sport England is currently funding a three-year plan to deliver 36 courses across the country. Newly-qualified instructors then work to engage more people with disabilities in fitness sessions. Mr Morley applied for the course and proved that age, disability and health issues need not be a barrier to a career in the fitness industry. Since qualifying he has recently begun an industry work placement at The Inspire Fitness Gym in Mildenhall as part of the programme.

He said: “I love exercise; it makes you feel better mentally as well as physically. After my heart attack, people were often trying to wrap me in cotton wool and look after me.

“Now, thanks to the InstructAbility program I’m in a position to look after other people and help them to feel good.”

Mr Morley’s positive attitude has enabled him to complete several marathons and next year, he plans to compete in his first Ultra marathon.

Inspire Fitness manager Rob Smith said: “Steve is particularly keen to help older adults and people with disabilities to get active and I believe he has the ability to inspire people to do just that.”