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A great-grandad who overcame health problems to become an award-winning bodybuilder and gym owner has died at the age of 89.
By Gaynor Clarke
Derek Gibbons dedicated his life to health and fitness, representing England in the Mr Universe competition, appearing on television and mentoring younger athletes including wrestler Davey Boy Smith, better known as the British Bulldog.
He died at home in Lowton on August 26 surrounded by his family, including his wife of 67 years Joan.
Derek was born in Downall Green and lived on Rectory Road with his parents Winifred and Bert, his brother and four sisters.
The Second World War broke out when he was just seven, so he had to get used to Anderson shelters, blackouts, gas masks and rationing.
He was dealt a devastating blow when he contracted life-changing illness rheumatic fever at the age of 11, which caused a heart defect. He had to stop playing games and sports, as well as woodworking.
But a GP told him about a light training regime of calisthenics, which allowed him to start building up his strength.
His father helped him to buy his first barbell set in 1946 from a firm in Burnley and Derek carried them all the way home from Garswood station. He kept the receipt in his wallet for the rest of his life. A pre-fab hut was installed in the garden at the family home as Derek’s first gym.
Read more by visiting the Bodybuilding News Source.
By Gaynor Clarke
Derek Gibbons dedicated his life to health and fitness, representing England in the Mr Universe competition, appearing on television and mentoring younger athletes including wrestler Davey Boy Smith, better known as the British Bulldog.
He died at home in Lowton on August 26 surrounded by his family, including his wife of 67 years Joan.
Derek was born in Downall Green and lived on Rectory Road with his parents Winifred and Bert, his brother and four sisters.
The Second World War broke out when he was just seven, so he had to get used to Anderson shelters, blackouts, gas masks and rationing.
He was dealt a devastating blow when he contracted life-changing illness rheumatic fever at the age of 11, which caused a heart defect. He had to stop playing games and sports, as well as woodworking.
But a GP told him about a light training regime of calisthenics, which allowed him to start building up his strength.
His father helped him to buy his first barbell set in 1946 from a firm in Burnley and Derek carried them all the way home from Garswood station. He kept the receipt in his wallet for the rest of his life. A pre-fab hut was installed in the garden at the family home as Derek’s first gym.
Read more by visiting the Bodybuilding News Source.
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