WHEN Ismat Hamood’s doctor told him he had high cholesterol he refused medication and instead chose to join a gym.

Now his health is tip top and he has been named one of Ealing’s most inspirational men in the sports and leisure operator Everyone Active’s ‘Our Men Can’ campaign.

The 72-year-old, of Queens Road, Southall, was chosen as the Southall Sports Centre winner.

He has notched up more than 170 visits to the Southall Sports Centre gym this year and said he feels as fit as he was 20 years ago.

Andrew Brandon, of Middlesex, who is known to drag people along to the gym for weightlifting competitions, has been named as the Everyone Active Acton Centre winner.

The 65-year-old regularly organises and takes part in charity bike rides, latterly riding a distance of almost 2,000 miles from London to Istanbul.

He was nominated by his daughter Hannah James, who describes him as her hero.

James Bowden, Everyone Active’s Ealing contract manager, said: “This competition was about celebrating men who have motivated and encouraged others to be active. 

“Both Ismat and Andrew are fantastic examples of that, and they are an inspiration to everyone in the local community.

“We’re really pleased that so many people got involved with the Our Men Can campaign."

Our Men Can, a social media competition launched during Men’s Health Week in June, invited people to nominate men who have inspired them to take on a new active challenge.

Mr Hamood and Mr Brandon have each received a prize of a free three month membership. Both winners will also be entered into a national draw for the chance to win two activity days worth £500.

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure, said: “Andrew and Ismat sound like great role models, inspiring others to get active and raising money for charity.

"They are both very worthy winners and I wish them every success in the national competition and in continuing to do phenomenal things to inspire others."