Competitive running has completely changed my attitude towards competitive sports and teamwork. Besides getting me really physically fit, it has also strengthened my character, given me a more positive and resilient attitude, and it has helped me remain totally free from alcohol and drugs.I have learned the hard way that real, genuine pleasure comes from overcoming life’s numerous hurdles and difficulties. Vigorous exercise can be hard to begin with but the rewards are immense and so the effort is well worth it.

My life for the last nine years had just revolved around HIV and it was good to set myself a new positive challenge. Taking up running has changed my life and my way of thinking. My immune system has improved and my body is coping very well. I have now joined a running club and can’t wait to continue with my new-found fitness.

I was the podgy kid at school that was always picked last for the football team. When I was thirteen one teacher wrote on my school report, ‘Ben lacks sufficient impetus to achieve anything worthwhile.’ In 2004 I became the youngest person to ski solo to the North Pole and in doing so I broke the record for the longest solo Arctic journey by a Briton. I would encourage everyone to have dreams, to take risks and to not fear failure.

There have been many times when I would just withdraw into my room and would have to struggle to get through each day. I can genuinely say that regular exercise and training (I took up running quite late in life, just nine years ago) has changed my life.

As an adult, my doctor referred me to the YMCA gym because I was depressed. I found it hard at first, but I persevered. I’d nothing to lose. I’d tried everything else. Anyway, it got easier. Now exercise is part of my life. It’s so true that a fitter body will make you feel more confident and this will make you have a ‘fitter’ mind. I would definitely say that exercise has changed my life, for the better.

Through circumstances in my life I had a serious mental breakdown earlier this year. I even tried to get myself sectioned. I just totally lost control. Taking up exercise was a great help in getting me back on my feet again. I started climbing and cycling. Cycling is great. I take out my stress and frustrations on my bike pedals! The faster and harder I ride, the better I feel afterwards. It calms me down and clears my head.

I would often take to my bed and would be literally paralysed with depression. Eventually I went to my GP and I started to take anti-depressants about eight years ago. I did the London Marathon after the six months training and I can honestly say that taking up exercise, and running, has completely changed my life. I feel so much more positive now and want to continue feeling like this. There is no looking back – the couch potato is long gone! I’ve gone from a size 16 to a size 12 and I feel so much more confident.

I regret very much the fact that I spent so many years being obsessed with food and calorie counting and being unhappy with my physique. I wish that I had discovered sooner the ways in which exercise can transform your body shape. I actively encourage other members of my gym to persevere with their programme, as I am proof that you can achieve your goals through dedication and hard work. I would strongly recommend anyone with a negative self-image to join a gym and discover happiness through exercise.