Leicestershire man David Jenkinson sheds 11 stone and is now training for marathon

Less than a year ago, a lap round the park would have been almost impossible for David Jenkinson.

Now, after losing almost half his body weight, he is in training for the London Marathon.

The 27-year-old has shrunk from 25st to 13st 10lb, thanks to a new found love of jogging and healthy eating.

"I used to do a lot of horse-riding but I stopped when I was about 18 and began piling on the pounds," said David, of Thornton.

"Quite a few people did comment that I needed to do something about my weight, but you just sort of ignore it.

"I was happy at home and in a steady relationship."

But when David and his fiancee, Hayley Parker, set a wedding date for August 17, he decided he had to tackle his waistline.

His first gym session with a personal trainer took place on February 1 last year.

"I wanted to look good for the wedding photos," said David.

"I felt a bit self-conscious but you just have to get on with it.

"I began with a basic gym routine and using a rowing machine, but I also started keeping a food diary and it really brought home how many calories were in things like alcohol.

"The first time I went to the park with my trainer, I couldn't even get round.

"I had to sit down and had an asthma attack – it was a bit scary."

Determined to succeed, David continued with his new regime.

After six weeks, he found he could jog round the park 10 times without stopping.

"At the end of last year, I did a 10km race in Coalville and a friend suggested I run the London Marathon with him," said David.

"I was lucky enough to get a place running for the charity Sense, for children who are deaf and blind.

"It has given me something else to train for and Hayley will often come with me on her bike when I am training.

"It is nice that she supports me."

David and Hayley, 24, have also changed their diet. Takeaways are now off the menu and David prepares most of their meals.

He said: "I enjoy cooking. We have a lot of chicken and try to have a vegetarian or fish meal each week.

"At the weekend, I had some fish from the fish and chip shop and it tasted really greasy and horrible."

Hayley said: "What David has achieved is amazing. He is like a new person and so full of life."

David is hoping to complete the London Marathon in four to four-and-a-half hours. The race is also on to raise at least £1,500 for Sense.

To sponsor David, go to:

www.justgiving.com/ David-Jenkinson2