A father-of-three from Holmfirth has shed more than four stone - so he can take part in the Great North Run to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Over the last year, Brendan Caunce, 36, has managed to drop down to his target weight of 14 stone from 18 ½stone and hopes to hand over a £500 cash boost to the children’s charity in September.

He is hoping kind-hearted members of the public and local businesses will help him reach his fund-raising target by donating to his Just Giving page (www.justgiving.com/brendan-caunce) or by texting ‘BGRC78’ and a donation amount to 70070.

Brendan is the manager of the PerfectHome store in Bradford and says that what he has lost in weight he has gained in confidence and energy over the last 12 months and been cheered on to get race fit by his team of employees.

“It was my GP who sat me down and told me that I would need to do something about my weight.

“I had a gym membership but I would never use it. It’s sad because I used to be so active in school, I would be in every sport club going and running was my passion.”

“It took about 15 years but in October I decided to finally grab the bull by the horns and get back to the shape I used to be in.

“Now, I use a personal trainer, go to the gym three times a week, and I’ve joined a running club,” he said.

Brendan says he is now almost back to the level of fitness he was at in his school-days and coaches the Hepworth U10’s junior football team.

Brendan Caunce of Holmfirth who has shed more than four stone and is looking forward to raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital by taking part in the Great North Run.