KARATE KID

John O’Neill has just won a bronze medal at the World Karate Championships in Dundee – a feat to be proud of, but even more incredible at 52.

John was going for gold in the over 40s category – “until I came up against a 6’ 5” guy who was impossible to beat.”

Not bad for the man who at 29 was on the point of quitting his beloved sport. “My legs were giving up”, he recalls. “I only carried on to support my sons – but then I didn’t stop!”

In his professional role John trains Mersey Care staff how to compassionately support people who may be experiencing acute distress, without the use of physical restraint.

The bronze is his second medal in two years. In 2022 John won gold and became British over 40s champion, a success he describes as ‘an accident’. “I entered to support my students who were taking part, never expecting to win!”

With true fighting spirit and energy, John has no plans to pack up his belt. He trains youngsters, loves the camaraderie among team mates and says he’s made friends for life.

A big draw is the discipline the sport instils.

“There is aggression, but the challenge is to control it. The etiquette I’ve learned from karate helps me in the rest of my life.”

Are we really as old as we feel? We ask an expert. p20

The etiquette I’ve learned from karate helps me in the rest of my life.

ARTHRITIS AT 40 HASN’T STOPPED KEN

Design engineer Ken was at the top of his career working all over the world when he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

I was in my early 40s and the kids were young. I’d worked in Dubai designing gas systems for international projects. But the pain became so bad I could hardly drive. Medication only treated the symptoms.”

Ken’s superpower was his determination not to give in. He dramatically changed his lifestyle and is still sticking to his plan more than 30 years later.

“I had the frame of mind, even at my worst point, that I’d never give in. I started eating a breakfast of cereal, fruit, and yoghurt, with a light lunch of soup, lots of fish and pasta in the evening – and regular bedtimes to get as much sleep as I could.

I’ve never wavered. I start each day with a walk along a set route with a slight hill. That covers my 10,000 steps. When I don’t exercise, I don’t like the way I feel. I still wake up in pain with swollen joints, but I tell myself ‘I’m going to work through this.’

I’d tell anyone not to think ‘this is it’ –have faith in yourself, get help from the people around you – my wife has been brilliant – and stay positive.”