BODY building granddad Ken Baxendale has proved age and illness are no barrier to exercise.
The 77-year-old, who was named the country's Most Muscular Man and Best Developed Man in 1957, still pumps iron twice a week, despite suffering from type 1 diabetes for the last 55 years.
Mr Baxendale, from Farnworth, claims his exercise regime is the reason he has managed to keep his condition under control.
He has now been given the Alan Nabarro award from the British Diabetic Association for coping with his condition.
The grandfather-of-one, who lives with his son, Tracy, in Highfield Road, said: "I was just 23 when I was diagnosed with diabetes. I was already body building and I thought I'd have to give that up, but my doctor told me to keep it up and I honestly think that's helped me deal with the condition and helped me last as long as I have.
"I'm really proud to have won this award as well. The key to dealing with diabetes is to not let it take over your life. I control my condition, it doesn't control me."
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Following his diagnosis Mr Baxendale first kept his diabetes under control using animal insulin combined with a healthy diet.
Over the last 50 years treatment has radically changed and he now says his condition is much easier to manage with new forms of insulin.
The former BAE Systems employee, who lost his wife of 50 years, Joan, two years ago, has always enjoyed going to the gym and is a member of Future Fitness in Harrowby Street, Farnworth, where he trains at least twice a week.
He said: "It isn't just about keeping fit, it's a really sociable place to be. I get on really well with all the other lads there and it gets me out of the house."
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