'Fruit is my new best friend' - fundraiser on course to hit weight loss target

Allan has already lost 2st 10lbs and feels he is well on the way to his target.

It has not been easy, because a chest infection meant a prescription of steroids which may be making weight loss more difficult.

However Allan, of Putlands Crescent, is fastening his resolve and sticking with the plan of healthier eating and exercise - he has visited Lifestyle gym in Western Road and will soon start to walk his way to a slimmer future.

"I am quite happy," Allan said this week.

"I've got to get some exercise now... but in the meantime the chest infection means I can't go upstairs without my inhaler. But I'm sure there are people worse off.

"I have to say I couldn't have done this without the support of my wife Lin and my stepdaughter Tina Crittenden.

"I don't think I would have been able to do it without those two."

Allan, 50, is cutting down on stodge and filling up on fruit and vegetables - much to his surprise. "I have cut out the loaves of bread - I would go through nearly a loaf of bread a day but now I have two slices in three days. My best friend is fruit now... if someone before offered me an apple or orange I would have thrown it at them, but now that's what I have.

"When you are so used to eating the wrong thing you think it's normal. But you have to try and re-educate yourself, because you get in such a rut you don't know any different. "And when you start eating healthier you think - why didn't I do this years ago?"

Allan was inspired to lose weight for the benefit of Progreria sufferer Hayley Okines, but he also wants to do it for Lin because he would like to do the everyday activities like going shopping with her, and be able to enjoy that as a couple.

Anyone interested in sponsoring him can do so by phoning 01424 214937, or visit hayleys page which has a link to Allan's own details.