MEN aged over 45 are being urged to reduce their risk of heart disease and get fit by Yorkshire-based charity Heart Research and former World boxing champion Paul “Silky” Jones.

The risk of coronary heart disease increases in men over the age of 45 as they are more prone to trigger factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a larger waist measurement as well as an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and smoking.

“I am thrilled to support Heart Research UK,” said Paul. “As a world champion boxer I have always been health conscious and now I’m in my late forties, I am even more aware of my physical health.

“I work with lots of people promoting activity and I’ve noticed that people tend to think they’re too old to start exercise but really there is no greater time to start exercise. I want to demonstrate that fitness isn’t about the huge changes, it’s about the small ones we make.”