AN ISLE of Wight man has demonstrated how taking positive steps to overcome mental illness can lead to success in new areas, such as bodybuilding.  

Steve Deacon travelled north to Hull to represent the Isle of Wight in the PCA First Timers Bodybuilding Competition on Sunday, coming a creditable fourth.

A qualified personal trainer, nutritionist and coach, Steve had been battling mental health for a considerable time.

But a year ago, Steve decided to change his life and put everything into fitness — first becoming an online personal fitness coach, then competing in his first competition on Sunday.

Steve continues to spread awareness of mental health issues by supporting people of all ages, with such problems, to help overcome them through fitness.

Steve’s clients, his fiancee, family and friends traveled to Hull to support him. 

Training to compete in the competition next year, to represent the Island again, is already underway, said Steve.