While this may not seem like the ideal prize to win, both recipients are thrilled to start the long hard slog to get fit.

The Dungog Chronicle was inundated with entries to win a 12 week personal training package with Michael Gardiner from Step Into Life Dungog/Thornton.

In February Kris Macklin had a severe motorcycle accident which left him with two broken arms and blown blood vessels in his right eye.

“After spending nine weeks on a chair at home, I lost a lot of muscle tone in my upper body and have since struggled with my strength,” said the 35-year-old.

“I have just proposed to my lovely girlfriend and would like to look and feel a better person for our wedding and life to come.”

A spray painter and sandblaster by trade, Kris was a keen surfer and motorbike rider before the accident.

“I haven’t been back surfing yet, but am just starting to get back in to the bikes,” he said.

Seventeen-year-old Sam Simmonds plays a lot of high level sport and doesn’t have access to a gym facility.

“I haven’t done much exercise since the gym in Dungog closed and I’m not motivated to exercise by myself,” she said.

“I need to be pushed.”

Sam has been selected in a development team to tour America next month but said she would like to get fitter before she goes.

Personal trainer Michael Gardiner said he can “whip them into shape in no time”.

“We will be working on cardio and upper body toning and following nutritional guides.

“They will be doing lots of running, boxing and weights as well as road runs.

“I will be increasing their heart rates up to 75-85 per cent of its maximum during the one-hour sessions.

“But they will also work at their own pace – within reason.

”I have some people who walk and never run and the oldest participant is 75 years old.

“They come in all shapes and sizes and fitness levels.”

At the end of 12 weeks the Dungog Chronicle will catch up with Kris and Sam and report on their progress.