Overweight Dan went on diet after shock of mum's death

Dan with his hero, Jamie Oliver, before he lost the weight.

A TAMWORTH man was shocked into losing weight after seeing hismother die from diabetes.

Dan Waller, aged 27, knew he had to take action when, weighingmore than 19 stones, he struggled to find a suit big enough for himto wear to his mother's funeral.

Dan said: "My mother passed away very suddenly, at the age of 46,after a massive heart attack.

"It said on her death certificate that the cause of death wasdiabetes.

"At the time I actually didn't know that you could die fromdiabetes, I just thought it was something that stopped you fromeating cake.

"At that time I was huge, I was very unhealthy, and the doctorhad even told me that I was showing signs of liver damage because ofmy weight. "I knew I was on the same road as my mum and I needed todo something about it."

After searching for help on the Internet, Dan discovered a WeightLoss Challenge programme in Erdington which helped him to lose fourstone in twelve weeks.

The challenge aims to improve people's diet and lifestyle andrewards those who lose the most body fat with cash prizes.

Dan said: "The challenge was great, and it was great to seepeople from all walks of life coming together in a friendly socialenvironment and actually losing weight.

"My life has changed dramatically, I am full of energy, have muchmore self worth and my health is fine now."

Dan's success has inspired him to set up his own Weight LossChallenge programme in Tamworth.

The twelve week course costs Pounds 35 and includes education onnutrition and a weekly weigh-in and measure.

The three biggest losers at the end of the course win cashprizes.

Dan added: "I found it to be an amazing supportive atmospherewhen I took part in the challenges in Erdington and I hope toreplicate that here in Tamworth."

For more information call Dan on 07837948187.

What do you think? Write to: The Editor, Tamworth Herald, CIN,Ventura Park Road, Bitterscote, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3LZEmail: heraldletters@cintamworth.co.uk LETTERS: PAGE 10