A GUTSY Kingswinford power lifter who has survived cancer twice hopes her success in the sport will inspire others to throw their weight behind it.

Pint-sized Pat Reeves from Bromley Lane has been picking up trophies and titles for the last 20 years, despite shoulder injuries and having previously staved off bone cancer and a brain tumour that doctors said would kill her.

The dynamic grandmother, who has published a book ‘A Living Miracle’ about her battle back to health through nutrition not drugs, broke the world deadlift record back in March and already has her sights set on next year’s British, European and World titles.

And now, having enjoyed such success herself, the 64-year-old personal trainer and nutritionist - who is currently the oldest female competitive power-lifter in Europe - now wants to entice other gym fans and bodybuilders to take up the sport.

Pat, secretary/treasurer for the West Midlands Division of BDFPA (British Drug-Free Powerifting Assocation), said: “This is a great sport where everyone can improve or excel in their own category.

“Just turning up at the gym three times a week rarely achieves a trainee’s overall fitness goal; whether that be weightloss, improved energy or improved bone-density - but power-lifting provides the key elements for overall success.”

Pat says she is happy to train women weightlifters keen to break into the sport - while colleague Phil Guise, of Power Press Gym in Dudley, is also happy to train guys looking to achieve their potential.

Pat, who has fought back to regain her strength after suffering a shoulder injury earlier this year, is now busy training for 2011 events in the hope of setting more new British, European and World records.

She has also organised local BDFPA competition to take place on Saturday November 20 at Nanaksar Power Gym, Wellington Street, Walsall.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the sport or interested in taking up Pat’s offer of training for competitions can call her on 01384 270270 or email pat@foodalive.org