A THURROCK man who has battled his own demons is about to launch a new health and fitness venture with the aim of helping others by passing on his experiences.

Ryan Worthington, 40, from Chadwell St Mary is about to open a gym in Horndon on the Hill where he plans to share his personal fitness and training knowledge – and he says the driving force behind it will be ensuring people have access to training that is tailored to their own situation.

Life has been far from east for Ryan. He was always found it hard to concentrate at school and was classed as the 'naughty kid' by teachers.

Though it was a continual struggle, he completed his schooling and set about making the choices that would determine his life and career. But is wasn't until later in life that he realized his abiding passion remained sport – and he wanted to pass on his knowledge.

So he began to investigate the possibility of going to university as a mature student and only then, found out that he was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD.

Like everything else, Ryan took on the challenges that brought and with support he completed the degree and is now a fully qualified PE teacher and began to offer 1-2-1 coaching and training to others. You can find out about the training he offers through his website here.

And now he has taken things a step further.

Ryan has always wanted to help youngsters like himself as he feels he understands them when others often discriminate against them and they are often misunderstand. By taking on the coaching of youngsters who might struggle in other environments, he has earned a range of accolades from grateful young people and their parents.

To allow him to offer these services alongside his personal training he will be opening a private personal training studio which is being purpose-built at The Priory in Horndon which will be opening next month.