Man loses 10 stone and raises more than £2,200 for GNAAS

A CARLISLE man has lost 10 stone in eight and a half months and raised more than £2,200 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

Andrew Megson, 47, of Carlisle, Cumbria, weighed 27st 10lb at his peak and shed the pounds through Slimming World and cycling. He is now down to 17st 5lb.

He had previously lost 7st in seven months four years ago, however after losing his grandmother to bowel cancer in 2013, the weight crept back on. Then, his work colleague challenged him to lose the weight and said he would donate £500 to charity if he got back fitness.

Andrew agreed and said he achieved it through “110 per cent focus”.

He added: “This is a lifestyle change and I’m determined to continue. I’d like to be 15st again which was what I was when I left school. I want to thank everyone that has helped and supported me.”

His work colleague who set him the original challenge was true to his word and handed over £500 to charity. Andrew then received more donations from family and friends which acted as a further incentive.

He now covers around 30 miles a day on his bike and says he has found “a new lease of life.”

Andrew visited the GNAAS base at Langwathby recently, where he had chance to meet the Pride of Cumbria aircrew.

He has donated all the money raised to the Cumberland News’ SkyCall Appeal, which is raising £60,000 to buy lifesaving equipment for the GNAAS.

“I gave it to a local charity because the service could benefit anybody in Cumbria. They are brilliant,” he said.

To support Andrew, donate here.