Tributes to Ruth, a great advocate for keeping fit

SHE TAUGHT EXERCISE CLASSES FOR OVER 70 YEARS

THE founder of the Plymouth branch of the Keep Fit Association has died at the age of 96 – having taught exercise for more than 70 years.

Ruth Kirkham was then Ruth Wall when she came down to the city with her family in 1956, as she was married to Bob Wall, who was also a PE instructor.

Having taught keep fit in the Midlands, Ruth decided she should launch a branch of the KFA in Plymouth.

She ended up teaching in Plymouth for 60 years, continuing until the grand age of 89. Having also taught in Birmingham before she moved south, her daughter Jane Wall – one of four surviving children – said she had taught movement for more than 70 years.