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20 Hopefuls for Operation Transformation 2013/2014 Today, November 20th, saw 20 hopefuls come one step closer to becoming an Operation Transformation leader.Participants from all over Ireland gathered together for the first time in Sportslink gym in Santry to be physically and emotionally assessed.

As part of a live RT Radio 1 broadcast John Murray and his team put the 20 finalists through their paces asking them to share their personal stories, outline why they think they have what it takes to become a leader for Operation Transformation and how their weight has affected their confidence, lifestyle and wardrobe to date.

Operation Transformation presenter Kathryn Thomas was on hand along with the four OT experts to encourage and motivate the assembled group. Two new experts have joined the panel Aoife Hearne a registered dietician and a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute and Dr. Ciara Kelly, GP and expert in family health join familiar faces Karl Henry, fitness expert and Dr. Eddie Murphy, a Principle Clinical Pyschologist with the HSE.

Hermitage Green were there during the live broadcast to provide musical entertainment and give the entrants a boost of energy before the assessment began. The assessment day includes an aerobic test in the swimming pool and a group session with Dr. Eddie to uncover what has brought the 20 finalists to this point in their lives. The 20 hopefuls will also be assessed individually by all experts in the afternoon. The chosen five brave, new leaders need to be willing to radically change their eating patterns, exercise habits, and be prepared to inspire RT listeners and viewers to follow them on their journey over 8 weeks in January and February 2014.

Speaking in Santry today Kathryn Thomas said, It's brilliant to be here today ahead of the seventh series. It's a huge undertaking to become an Operation Transformation leader there's a camera crew shadowing you constantly. It's intense but that's why it works it's easier when there's a support network around you who want you to succeed. The production team, the experts, John and I all want the leaders to achieve their goals and we hope our five leaders for 2014 will be as fabulous and inspirational as our leaders Charlotte, Gavin, Deirdre, Greg and Monica last year.

John Murray, RT Radio 1 presenter said: I'm delighted to be back on air in time for the launch of Operation Transformation 2014. We've seen in previous series, and I know only too well, that a healthy body and a healthy mind are so closely connected to each other.

As Operation Transformation gets underway, The John Murray Show will follow the leaders' journeys all the way to the grand finale in February. The four OT experts Karl, Eddie, Aoife and Ciara will be dropping in to studio throughout January and February to provide the best tips and advice on calorie counting, healthy recipes, exercise and lots of other transformation topics. There will be more interactive content available on www.rte.ie

The seventh series of Operation Transformation will be sponsored by safefood.

Fiona Gilligan, Director of Communications with safefood said: We are delighted to be sponsoring Operation Transformation again. With 2 in 3 adults and 1 in 4 children on the island of Ireland currently overweight, the show creates lively debate and valuable discussion about this serious issue while also offering practical solutions and advice for viewers. The achievements of the show's leaders and communities across the island over the last number of years has been inspirational and we hope that this trend continues.

Details of the 20 hopefuls, as well as the Experts, can be found here

Twitter: @johnmurrayshow and @gokathrynthomas and @OpTran7

Related Links

20 Hopefuls and Experts

LINK:	http://www.rte.ie/about/en/press-office/press-releases/2013/1120/48796...
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