Powerlifter Pam sets sights on more records in 2020 after recovering from serious back injury

Powerlifter Pam Fellows, 30, had been competing for just over a year, winning every competition she entered, until she was felled by a serious back injury in February last year.

But Pam didn't let her journey end there.

Despite suffering a slipped disc, which she still has to be aware of and manage, Pam was back in competition three months later before breaking two British records at the Amateur British Powerlifting Union finals in November.

Pam (right) with fellow lifter Vicky Ellis and coach Craig Hulme

Pam said: "It was a very emotional day. I cried for three hours after.

She added: "It is a mental battle as well as physical. I think about it every time I am on the bench."

Pam was hit by another blow in August when she was made redundant after ten years working in banking. But she turned that into a positive and now works as a trainer at Valhalla Gym in Wrexham and ALPHA UNIT Training near Bala.

Pam's achievements have inspired others at the gym.

Pam added: "I definitely didn't get here without tears, tantrums and doubt.

"You know, I'd love to be the reason that even one other person didn't give up."

Pam Fellows

Pam's coach at Valhalla Gym on Rhosddu Industrial Estate, Craig Hulme said it has been a long road to recovery.

He said: "Early 2019 we were targetting the British finals, the numbers were looking good and hopes were high she could break the existing record and win the title. Then in late February she badly damaged a disc, which meant she couldn't do full power at the finals, only bench press. She did win her class but it felt a little shallow.

"Finally in mid June we were given the all clear from her physio to slowly up her training and squats and deadlifts were added back in.

"It took a good three months for her confidence to fully return but by November she was back and firing in all cylinders."

"On the day the squat and bench fell short of expectations leaving us only 2.5kg ahead of a girl who was the British record holder in the deadlift.

"In the end, Pam pulled a new British record of 190kg beating her opponent by 5kg and finished with a new British record total of 427.5kg.

Pam is putting training for Britain's Strongest Woman on hold to focus on powerlifting

This was Pam's first competition in full power post-injury, breaking two British records in a tight competition.

Craig added: "Onwards to the British and European finals now in May and June."

Valhalla Gym, which traces its roots back to the 1960's before being run commercially since 1980 under its founder Dennis Phoenix, has recently undergone a big expansion.

For 2020, the gym has reopened with twice the floor space, a dedicated power and strength area, more than 40 resistance machines, a large free weight area and cardio section, as well as a cafe area serving pre cooked high protein meals and drinks.