Last updated at 15:33, Friday, 02 November 2012

SPONSORED slimmer David Took has shed 18 pounds, in an attempt to improve his health and raise funds in memory of his son Joe, reports RACHEL HERMOLLE.

NEW REGIME: David Took, right, with Craig Armstrong, fitness adviser at the Nuffield Fitness Centre, Barrow. Inset, Joseph Took who died in a road accident in February BILL WATKINSON REF: 50040184B001

NOTICING that his energy levels were at an all time low, his eyesight was getting gradually worse and his weight had slowly increased to 17st 9lbs, David Took, an insulin-dependent diabetic, knew that a lifestyle change was needed.

But it wasn’t until he lost his son Joe in a road accident earlier this year, that he finally had the “wake-up call” he needed to do something about his health.

David explains: “I was diagnosed with Type two diabetes at the age of 45, and over the past five years my symptoms have been getting worse.

“My father was also a diabetic and had a stroke when he was 53, which left him totally dependent on my mother for his care.

“When Joseph died earlier this year I realised that I couldn’t bear to put my family through any extra worry so I decided to do something about my health before it was too late.”

In an attempt to cut the risk of a stroke and other serious illnesses David set himself the challenge of losing four stone by next summer, to improve the management of his diabetes.

And last month the 50-year old, kick-started his new diet and fitness regime by completing a six-week sponsored slim at Barrow’s Nuffield Health Centre.

He said: “As well as diabetes I also have arthritis, so I haven’t exercised for 20 years.

“I decided to complete a sponsored slim to give me an incentive to stick to my fitness plan. I knew if people were sponsoring me and monitoring my progress that I couldn’t give up.”

Over the past six weeks David has lost 18 pounds and raised more than £700 which will be shared between The Royal Air Force Association, Barrow Firefighters, Macmillan Nurses, North West Air Ambulance and Furness Children’s Trust.

He said: “I have been going to the gym four times a week, and doing lots of fat burning, cardio exercises, using the cross trainer, treadmill and bike.

“At first I would step on the treadmill and be dying within a couple of minutes but now I am doing 30 minutes walking at a 150 per cent incline.

“I have always eaten lots of fresh fruit and veg but I have limited the amount of takeaways I have and cut my alcohol levels right down.

“I’m 50, I don’t want to look sexy, I just wanted to be healthy.”

As well as dropping three collar sizes and losing a few inches from around his waist, David has also noticed that his health is improving. “I have never felt this good, everything works now,” he said, adding: “My resting heart rate used to be sky high but that’s back to normal levels and although my muscles and bones ache from training, I do feel stronger.

“The biggest plus is that my diabetes is more controllable. I have loads more energy and my vision is getting better.

“Before I started exercising my sugar levels would be as high as 14-15 but when I checked this morning they were only at 5.8.

“My doctors used to pump me full of drugs to help my symptoms but it is great to realise there is another option.”

Although David’s six-week sponsored slim has come to an end, he sees his new health and fitness regime as a long-term solution.

He explained: “I am proud of myself for losing 18 pounds in such a short space of time but my ultimate goal is to slim down to 13 and a half stone.

“I am on long term disability because of my arthritis and diabetes, and I am also hoping my weight loss will enable me to go back to work full time.

“This challenge was not just about being healthy for six weeks, it is a complete lifestyle change for me. The weight loss has motivated me to keep going and I am determined to stick with it.”

First published at 16:15, Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk