Gladiator Amazon back to work as North doctor

Nov 13 2009 by Rob Pattinson, The Journal

A NORTH East doctor turned gladiator . . . has turned doctor again.

Dr Zoe Williams – or Amazon, as she was known to fans of the Sky One show – has returned to supply shifts with the Newcastle Hospitals Foundation Trust.

The move comes after the revamped show was cancelled by bosses at Sky after two series.

It means patients being treated at Newcastle’s General, Freeman, or Royal Victoria Infirmary hospitals might be seen by the TV personality.

For the time being Zoe, 29, of Newcastle, plans to work in locum, while she gets her own business off the ground.

The exercise fanatic has teamed up with Falcons’ star Spencer Davey to set up their own fitness company offering group sessions.

Based on personal training sessions, Naturally Fit offers all the benefits of one-to-one coaching and diet advice, within the social atmosphere, and affordability of a group environment.

Sessions ranging from boxing to weight-training and cardiovascular work-outs have already proved popular with fans keen to benefit from the know-how of a Gladiator and professional rugby player.

Zoe, who has been working in the infectious disease department on Newcastle Hospitals, says she plans to resume a full-time post as a doctor in December, but for the moment is enjoying splitting time between her two great loves; medicine and exercise.

She said: “I know for some people it’s been a bit strange for them to put being a doctor and a Gladiator together in the same person. But they’re both linked to health and well-being.

“I do miss being with the other Gladiators and the training, and doing the events was fantastic. It was like the best adventure park you went to as a child, but even bigger and better and for adults. But I love being a doctor too.

“Spencer and I both share a lot of ideas on the best way to train, get fit, and lose weight so it made sense to do this together.

“He’s trained in nutrition and I’m a doctor, he’s a professional rugby player and I’m a gladiator, so between us we’re a pretty good combination.”

The sessions, which are pay-as-you-train, and involve no annual fees or membership, are designed to attract a range of fitness levels.

“Everything is set up so we can tailor goals for individuals,” Zoe said.

“We’d love to see young and old, fit or unhealthy come along. We can even cater for those with health conditions. After all, I’m a doctor.”

As part of her battle against obesity in the region, Zoe has also set-up Sportgirls, encouraging girls to continue playing sport when they leave school.

She said: “We have a classroom chat where teachers and boys are banned and the girls really open up about their attitude to sport. Their main motivation is weight control, so I try to promote the health, psychological, and social benefits to them.”

For more information email naturallyfit@hotmail.com or sportgirls@hotmail.co.uk