A Barrow bodybuilder came out of retirement to raise over £1,000 for a local hospice close this his heart.

73-year-old Keith Devlin, who is also owner of Ironwerx Gym in Barrow, chose to raise money for St Mary's hospice in Ulverston. 

The hospice provides free comfort and care for people with advancing illness, as well as support for their families.

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Keith has won many bodybuilding competitions with an impressive record of a five-time winner of the over 45 Mr Cumbria, two-time winner of the over 50 Mr Britain, two-time fourth Mr Universe and one-time fourth Mr World.

After previously setting himself the task of re-gaining his six-pack for his 72nd birthday, Keith came out of retirement for the special cause.

Keith Devlin achieved his six pack in time for his 72nd birthday  (Image: Keith Devlin) He said: "We'd all like to think that when our time comes, we'll be looked after by friends and family, but sometimes that's not always the case as people are busy and have families and jobs.

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"St Mary's provides a wonderful service and the hospice is so important to local people. I've known people to go in there and as well as the families they've helped."

After finishing his last competition over 21 years ago when he was 51, Keith planned not to compete again, however encouragement from the lads at his gym spurred him on. 

Keith Devlin pictured with the Mr UK runners/up trophy for the over 40s (Image: Jon Granger) He decided to enter the over-65s category  at the IBFA Mr Cumbria competition which took place at Carnegie Theatre & Arts Centre in Workington on September 22.

After getting back on his training regiment in February, he placed third in the competition and raised a massive £1,232 for the charity.

St Mary's Hospice took to its Facebook page yesterday (October 5) to thank him.

The post read: "We are pleased to announce that he has raised an incredible £1,232 for our hospice through this challenge!

"His dedication and generosity means the world to us, and this amazing donation will help us continue providing vital care and support to our community.

"Thank you, Keith, for thinking of us and for all your hard work. What a wonderful achievement! Your efforts are truly appreciated!"

Keith when he was winner of over 45s Mr Cumbria and was third in Mr Cumbria, sponsored by the Evening Mail (Image: Dennis Sharp) Keith already trained five times a week in his gym from, Monday to Friday, and was at 12 per cent body fat when he began training.

Not one to rest on his laurels, the bodybuilder found himself back at the gym the Monday after the competition.

"I got bored to be honest," Keith said. "And weirdly, I also enjoyed the competition diet so I've carried on with it - although now I allow myself a piece of cake.

"In all seriousness though, I wouldn't have done it if it was just for me. There's a slight disappointment in coming third but I am pleased to some extent as I was eight years old than the people who placed before me.

"The next stage would still be to go on to Mr Britain but I am planning to have a bit of a rest - thought don't think I can hang my budgie smugglers up altogether just yet! 

"The money raised is the real achievement for me though and the lads at the gym who have called me an inspiration and encouraged me.

"The diet and training has been nothing compared to what the staff at St Mary's Hospice do day in, day out, 24/7 so it was an honour to help them."