Belvedere man weighed 24 stone just under two years ago - and is now a personal trainer

Tim Dickson, 47, of Salmon Road, could not even breathe when walking up steps and started the journey to turn his life around 20 months ago.

He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a sleeping disorder, high blood pressure, mild depression and high cholesterol – all which he has now reversed.

(left) Mr Dickson now, (right) Mr Dickson in 2014

The dad-of-two, who lost a whopping 10 stone, officially became a personal trainer last September, but says slimming down has been difficult.

Mr Dickson told News Shopper: “I was depressed and didn’t leave the house. I don’t know what triggered it but I said to myself ‘enough is enough, you can’t live like this anymore.’

“I couldn’t breathe when walking up steps – it’s been tough mentally and not easy to do.

“But, I set a goal to sign up for the D33 Ultra Run which is a 33-mile run and I completed it last month.

“I officially became a personal trainer in September last year – when I was going through the weight loss, I thought I could help other people who are doing the same.”

Mr Dickson running in the D33 Ultra Run last month

Mr Dickson is also a fitness mentor for MIND Bexley and gives motivational talks at different venues.

In addition to his community work, Belvedere Plodders, his own running club, was launched this month.

Mr Dickson’s two kids, aged 16 and 17, and wife Caroline, have played a massive part in his weight loss.

He said: “My wife has been my rock through all the bad times – I couldn’t have done it without her or my children.

“My weight loss is a massive achievement, I feel good with myself.

His old pants won't fit him anymore...

“I have friends who I haven’t seen in a while who don’t recognise me. The visual change is phenomenal.”

Mr Dickson says any abuse aimed towards him had to be blocked out in order to change his lifestyle.

He added: “When I thought people were laughing at me, to be truthful, a lot of that is in your mind – but you must get past that.

“No one else matters if you really want to reach your end goal.”