Man sheds pounds for a new lease of life

fear of dying led father to diet miracle

A junk food fan turned fitness fanatic has been named Slimming World Man of the Year at the Ritz hotel after shedding half his body weight.

Stuart Howells, from Llanelli, South Wales, begged his GP to refer him for weight-loss surgery two years ago after a diet of pizzas, doner kebabs and curries had left him tipping the scales at 24st 4.5lb (155kg) and feeling suicidal.

The 43-year-old father of four had been forced to give up the job he loved as a family support worker for children with learning disabilities because he was unable to move his hefty frame quickly enough to keep up with the youngsters.

But since joining Slimming World in January 2008, Mr Howells has lost 12st 5lb (79kg), gained a new lease of life and got his old job back.

After joining his local group in Llanelli he changed his unhealthy eating habits and now runs 6 miles (10km) every morning, cycles 25 miles (40km) regularly and swims as often as possible.

He said: "I was desperate and went to see my GP to plead to be referred for surgery. I'd already had to give up my job and I was worried about the effect my weight was having on my health.

"As a dad of four I was worried about my children and leaving them behind if I died. I felt like a coward and failure."

As the pounds dropped off, he began to regain his confidence.

"As a dad of four I was worried about my children and leaving them behind if I died. I felt like a coward and failure."

stuart howells

Mr Howells, who finished his first half-marathon in March, said: "Before I lost weight there was so much I wanted to do and couldn't. I wanted to run, but I had a weak ankle and I would fall down in agony if I did too much. I wanted to go on rides at the theme park, but I couldn't fasten the seatbelt or pull down the shoulder restraint so I had to get off. I felt so humiliated. I wanted to fly without having to get a seatbelt extension, go to the cinema without having to sit in an aisle seat.

"Now I have a life. I can cycle, play football. No activity is off limits."

14.07.10 22:18