A PERSONAL trainer has become the general manager at a new gym in Stretford Mall after overcoming serious back and leg injuries which dashed his dream of a career in the Army.

Rick Corbishley, 35, is manager at Stretford Mall’s brand new Pure Gym, which is creating 18 new jobs at the shopping centre, including 12 personal trainers

The 24-hour gym has more than 240 pieces of state-of-the-art equipment spread over two floors.

Rick revealed he was warned he faced needing to use a wheelchair unless he gave up running, after being medically discharged from the Army due to injuries - not once, but twice.

He joined up with the Cheshire Regiment aged 18 but was medically discharged during basic training after tearing three muscles in his left thigh, and two days later, damaging the ligaments in his right ankle.

He battled back to fitness and two years later was accepted by the Marines.

But a routine medical examination showed up a back injury that was so bad he had to be medically discharged again.

He said: “I hadn’t even begun my Marine training. I was devastated.

“I went to a specialist and was informed the injury was so bad that if I carried on running I’d be in a wheelchair before too long."

He added: “I reluctantly had to give up running which left me absolutely devastated.

"I was determined not to be beaten though and took to cycling, and strength and conditioning training, instead."

Dad-of-one Rick, who lives near Oldham with his partner, continued with his strict fitness regime and trained to become a personal trainer.

Now he is managing the new gym at Stretford Mall.

“The facilities are absolutely amazing and the equipment, which is brand new and state-of-the-art, is spread out over two floors so clients have plenty of room to work.”