A person has misplaced a exceptional 20 stone in lower than two years after he was surprised into motion when his physician identified him with diabetes.
Ashley Spendiff shed over half his physique weight, dropping from 36 to 16 stone in what the 42-year-old described as a "mentally tough" journey.
Ashley, from East Bridgford, mentioned he ate himself right into a "vicious cycle" following the dying of his greatest good friend.
He instructed : "I used to be most likely affected by despair on the time, that is why I put my weight on. I simply buried my head within the sand."
Mr Spendiff, who wanted two scales to weigh himself, mentioned he was given a wake-up name when he was identified with diabetes by his GP.
"It was a giant shock to the system," he mentioned.
"I did numerous strolling however I used to be struggling to even do this as a result of pressure of the burden."
Mr Spendiff then made the choice to begin going open water swimming at Colwick Nation Park, one thing he mentioned was very important to shedding 20 stone over simply 16 months.
Describing his life at 36 stone, the 6ft tall care residence supervisor mentioned he was low on confidence and sought solace in on-line gaming.
"My comforts have been gaming and going surfing," he mentioned.
"I could not have a look at myself within the mirror, not even within the reflection of a window.
"Speaking to individuals on-line, they could not see who I used to be, I felt they weren't judging me.
"I might eat meals for consolation after which I might really feel responsible for consuming meals - it was a vicious cycle.
"Getting my very own place after college, I used to be going out with mates and dwelling off takeaways.
"I used to look down on the flooring due to my insecurity.
"When individuals shout feedback about your dimension on the road it impacts your confidence. I am simply happier normally now.
"I changed these comforts with train and optimistic issues.
"For those who instructed me two years in the past that I might get pleasure from going to the gymnasium I'd've laughed.
"I discover it simpler to have interaction with individuals and strike up dialog in public."
Following his weight reduction, Mr Spendiff is hoping to boost cash for beauty surgical procedure to get his extra pores and skin eliminated as it's not obtainable on the NHS.
He has raised greater than £2,000 since establishing the JustGiving web page firstly of February.
Ashley mentioned: "Folks's generosity has been superb.
"I have been blown away by how supportive individuals have been, particularly this present day when persons are scuffling with cash."
To go to the JustGiving web page, click on