Latest news with #RamPatten
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Powerlifter takes on the world after cancer surgery
A former marine has competed in the bench press world championships just eight months after having major cancer Patten, from Frome, Somerset, became British bench press champion last March before being diagnosed with cancer in his intestines, requiring an operation in returned to the gym in January and competed for Team GB at the international competition in Norway on Patten said he already felt like he had won just by being at the championships. Mr Patten managed to lift 200kg at the event, describing it as a "really important" moment."Last year I won the British nationals with 200kg,' he said 'And so having gone through the cancer, having lost 10 and a half kilos...I really wanted to nail that 200 to show myself that I could be I'm a lot stronger."That was a success for me." Mr Patten said he was able to reflect on his journey the championships when he arrived. 'This time 12 months ago, I was told I had an extreme form of bowel cancer and there was potentially going to be a bit of bad news,' he said."Six months ago, I thought I might not see my wife or daughter ever again."But last week I did a kidney function it came back clear, and I just felt like being here in Norway was the beginning of the end."I actually felt like I won just by stepping foot in Norway in my Team GB kit."He added it was "inspiring" to be surrounded by so many competitors.
BBC News
16-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Powerlifter calls return to competition after illness a "milestone"
A Royal Marine turned powerlifter who underwent life-saving cancer surgery has said returning to competitions felt like a "psychological milestone".Ram Patten, from Frome, Somerset, lifted 200kg to become a bench press champion in March 2024 before his sporting career was put on hold when he was diagnosed with cancer in his intestines, leading to an operation in returned to the gym in January and will take part in the British Classic Bench Press Championships 2025 in Cardiff on Patten said: "A lot of things were against me, but I'm here, I'm walking, I can run and I'm looking forward." 'New lease of life' Mr Patten, who is a magistrate, started competitive powerlifting in 2023 as a way to manage his PTSD surgery, he said he initially felt self-conscious of the scars on his abdomen, but is now choosing to embrace them by incorporating pink stitches onto his gym clothing. "It does change the way you see your body. I just thought, if I'm going to get used to it, I might as well wear it. "It's an icebreaker for me to be able to talk about my cancer treatment and my journey and also kind of encourage [others] to face their vulnerabilities," Mr Patten added that his cancer diagnosis and treatment had been a "massive wake-up call" which has resulted in a "new lease of life".Mr Patten hopes that sharing his experience can inspire others who have gone through difficult times. "Every day is a good day - that's what I've learned," he said. "It doesn't always feel like a good day necessarily... but being alive is a good opportunity to make that day better than the last."
