Wakefield super grandad crowned most active in UK

Bill Moore (R), 78, holds his trophy and medal after being crowned the UK's overall Older Actives Champion of 2015, pictured at the Aquatics Centre, at the John Charles Centre for Sport, Leeds, West Yorkshire, on 22 October 2015.

The 78-year-old super grandad fought off competition from across the country to take home the UK’s Older Actives Champion award for 2015.

Mr Moore has won more than 38 national swimming titles over the years, breaking and maintaining the British record twice in the 70-74 age group, with the last record still standing eight years on.

In August, he competed in the Great Scottish swim in Loch Lomond beating his three sons.

He also enjoys walking ten miles a week and yoga classes.

He said: “I am over the moon to have been crowned The Older Actives 2015 Champion. It was one thing to be told that I had won the regional heat in the north east, but when I was told I had won nationally, I was overwhelmed with emotion.

“I swim with a very successful club made up of national champions. They are all considerably younger than me but that is advantageous because it keeps me young as well. As far as I am concerned age is just a number and you are only as old as you feel. I feel young because I think young and that gives me a feeling of wellbeing.

“My children and grandchildren call me super grandad and that’s how I feel. I have always wanted to make my family proud, and I feel this accomplishment has helped me to achieve that.”

The competition, sponsored by natural health supplements firm Ateronon, was launched by celebrity fitness guru Mr Motivator in June.

Nine regional winners - including Mr Moore for the north east - competed for the national title. As well as the winning trophy, Mr Moore also took home £500 worth of Ateronon products, £100 Marks and Spencer vouchers and £1,000 worth of UK holiday vouchers.

Chris Meaney, head of marketing at Ateronon Active, added: “We wanted to celebrate the achievements of the older generation and the Older Actives competition has done just that. We have unearthed a wide variety of people, from those who like to rock n’ roll to people that enjoy cycling or gardening, as well as more extreme activities such as scuba diving and competing in ironman races.

“The entries we received were inspirational; especially as some people have overcome debilitating problems in order to keep participating in activities they love. The competition has proved that anyone can remain active no matter what age they are. Bill is a fantastic example and we hope his story inspires others along the way.”