‘It has been life-changing’ says Longford Operation Transformation star
Operation Transformation leader Thomas Hynes has said his journey towards a healthier lifestyle has been “absolutely life changing” as his near two month spell on the nation's television screens comes to an end in two weeks time.
The 50-year-old Granard man has shed close to two stone since being selected as one of this season's five team leaders.
The north Longford businessman's acheivements are all the more laudable given that he has spent the past number of days sidelined with a chest infection.
But for Thomas, weight loss is not uppermost in his mind as he looks ahead to a 5km run in Dublin's Phoenix Park on Saturday.
“I am not focused on weight, it is more cardiovascular disease where my focus is and getting that side of my story out,” he said.
Thomas' eyes were more than opened earlier this year when a “full medical makeover” found he was the carrier of a cardiovascular gene which affects only 15 to 20 per cent of the population.
“My cholestrol levels were coming in at around eight or nine which is almost double what it should be.”
It was a striking statistic which shone the spotlight on Thomas' own brush with mortality five years ago.
“I had a brother who had a stroke before my heart attack which explained a lot, but my whole OT (Operation Transformation) journey has been incredible.
“I have no regrets. My only regret is that I didn't do it two years ago.”
Thomas also took time to heap praise on all the well wishers and support he has received both from within his own family and among the wider public at large.
“I have been to Kenagh, Drumlish, Abbeylara and I have been into schools and that's what I intend to continue. I might be coming to the end of my OT journey, but I will continue to raise awareness around cardiovascular disease.”
*Operation Transformation continues tonight (Wednesday) at 9:35pm.