A DETERMINED Worcester dad who is driven to change his life by losing 10 stone this year will be taking part in the Great Birmingham Run.
Christopher Hadland, who just three months ago weighed 28 stone, has so far lost a staggering four stone 9 pounds since March when ‘something just clicked’ and decided to change his life.
The 28-year-old is determined to reach his weight loss goal by October and even changed his career to help motivate him.
After 10 years as chef, he started a new job in Birmingham as an electrical apprentice as part of his desire to lose weight and become more healthy.
The father of one will be taking part in the Great Birmingham Run later this year, one of his major fitness goals, and he is already on target to reach his weight-loss target after losing six pounds a week since March.
One of the main reasons Christopher is taking part is to enjoy many of the routine events other people take for granted. He also wants to be able to spend more time with his wife, Steph, and two-year-old daughter Jessica.
“A few months ago, we were at home with some friends and we were talking about my job and my health,” Christopher said.
“I’ve always been quite big and I thought I can’t go on like this forever, at some stage it’s going to catch up with me.
“Something just clicked in my head to change my life.
“I’ve been working long hours as a chef for about ten years, which has been a real issue, and I knew it was something I had to change.
“I saw the Great Birmingham Run advertised and a friend shared pictures of them taking part so I decided that’s the thing to do.
Christopher’s weight also became such a problem it was affecting his family life and days out with Steph and Jessica.
“I got to the point where I became fed up with going out,” he added.
“We would go to a theme park like Alton Towers and I wouldn’t be worrying about entry fees or other costs, but whether I can physically go on the rides because of my size.
“So, my friend and I came up with a bucket list of things I want to do but haven’t been able to because of how heavy I’ve been; simple things like wearing jeans, or Go Ape adventure climbing and a skiing holiday.
“It’s nothing to most people but I’ve been heavy for most of my adult life and it’s going to be life-changing. This is the ultimate thing for me.”
He is also raising money for Cancer Research UK and to donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/christopherhadland
