A city mum has channelled the grief of losing her brother into a remarkable transformation to get into "the best shape of her life".
Norwich's April Compaan said she was once "adverse to exercise" but will take to the bodybuilding stage on July 2 clad in just a bikini to show off her impressive form.
After losing Joe in July 2021, the 33-year-old inherited her brother's weights and never thought she'd be able to lift them.
But now, April has gone from strength to strength as she challenged herself to ditch unhealthy grieving habits like drinking to channel her emotion through exercise.
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"I was really lost in my grief, it's hard to navigate," the mum-of-two said.
"I drank for a while but it got to a point where I knew I needed to be better for myself.
"I started going to the gym in October and didn't think I'd stick it out.
"But I noticed a huge improvement in my mental health.
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"I didn't expect to feel so good."
April - who also makes jewellery from loved ones' ashes and other sentimental items - then realised her positive coping strategy fueled her need for a bigger challenge, so she joined Velocity Strength and Fitness in Marsham, near Aylsham, and enlisted the help of personal trainer Charlie Davies.
She documents her transformation on Instagram as well as paying tribute to her brother, with children Cara, 14, and Dylan, 11, and her mum Sally Bennett always keen to cheer her on.
During her training, April has raised £600 for the Mental Health Foundation in memory of Joe, who died aged 31 of an alcohol-related accident.
April added: "This is helping me move forward. Joe will not be forgotten.
"He set me on this path. I carry him with me every day.
"I'm so proud of myself. I'm now in the best shape of my life."
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