STEVEN Ions, 24 of Ponteland, is senior website developer at Northumberland-based Colin Harris Website Development.

The company has rocketed into the new year with a host of client wins and the hiring of three new specialists, doubling the size of its workforce in the process.

Steven’s role entails website build, project management and supervising the team of developers. He will be joining the rest of his team on a 10k charity run this summer.

Were you ill much as a child?

No, I am lucky in that I have always been quite healthy.

What sports and activities did you take part in at school?

I have always enjoyed playing football (5-a-side and 11-a-side) however my interest in other sports and fitness didn’t develop until I was older and became more aware of the benefits to my health.

Have you ever had a health scare?

No, fortunately not.

Have you ever had an operation?

Yes I injured my knee playing football and had to have surgery to repair the cartilage.

How often do you exercise and what do you do?

I try to maintain a rigorous exercise schedule; I go to the gym 3-4 times a week, play 5-a-side at least twice a week and every Sunday morning I play 11-a-side.

I’m quite lucky in that I really enjoy exercise and find football a great way to socialise.

What is the most challenging activity / event you have ever done?

The final two miles of my latest Great North Run were extremely difficult, it was literally an uphill struggle.

Have you ever done the Great North Run?

I have completed the Great North Run twice as well as being extremely close to my heart I find it a great way to challenge myself.

My sister used to compete in the run however a few years ago she became seriously ill. I made a promise to her that is she recovered I would do the run in her place, thankfully she did.

How do you keep motivated?

I think most people would like to improve their physique, it is striving for a better body and a healthier lifestyle which keeps me motivated.

I also attribute a lot of my motivation to my sister, seeing what she overcome and how she maintained her health greatly inspires me to do the same.

What’s your diet like and how could you change it?

I try to keep a healthy and balanced diet particularly through the week however my vices do occasionally get the best of me. Incorporating more vegetables into my diet probably wouldn’t hurt either!

Have you ever been on a diet and did it work?

I believe in healthy eating and have always tried to be sensible however I am not one for fad diets.

Are you happy with your body?

I am happy with my body; however I am always striving to improve.

What are your guilty pleasures?

I love eating out and dine out at least once a week; this and my love for takeaways are probably my downfall.

How much do you drink a week?

I don’t go out as much as I used to however I do enjoy one or two pints at the weekend.

Have you ever smoked?

No.

Do you have any health or fitness tips to pass on?

I think the most important thing is to find an exercise or sport that you enjoy, I think this helps maintain a routine.

What are your health and fitness goals for the future?

I would love to maintain my fitness and maybe grow my body confidence but my real goal for the future is to complete the Great North Run in less than two hours.

For more information on Steven or the gang take a peek at our Team page.

As featured in The Journal and The Journal Live.