A MAN who lost 11 stone (70kg) in a desperate bid to improve his health has just completed Malvern's half-marathon - and now has his sights set on the London marathon.

Paul Attwood, of Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, dropped from 30 stone (190kg) to 19 stone (12kg) in three years by following a strict healthy eating and exercise regime.

Now the 39-year-old 6ft 6in giant said he was delighted to complete the half-marathon in Malvern on Sunday in aid of Acorns children's hospice.

He said: "It was absolutely fantastic. I really enjoyed it.

"Now I want to take part in the London marathon next year. I have always watched it on TV and thought how I would love to take part and now I know I can do it."

Mr Attwood, who is to become a father for the first time in October, said he started his exercising with long walks, which eventually progressed into runs. Now he runs 15 to 20 miles a week, and also goes circuit training three times a week.

He said: "Anything is possible if you really want it. I looked at myself in the mirror one day three years ago and thought, I have to do something about this.

"I have always been big but I got worse and worse through over-eating. Now I am so proud of myself for how far I have come."

Mr Attwood, a plant operative for Tarmac, raised more than £600 for Acorns and said he would like to continue to raise funds for them in the London Marathon, if he can get a place.

He said: "I want to thank everyone who helped me to raise this money. Acorns is such a worthy cause. I hope I will be able to get a place in the marathon next April to help them even more."

Mr Attwood completed the Malvern half-marathon in one hour, 57 minutes.