A father-of-four who used to struggle to walk up a flight of stairs will run the London Marathon after shedding nearly 14 stone.

Having lost the pounds with the help of Slimming World, Michael Drucker, of Edgware, plans to run the 26.2 miles as part of the Slimming World Marathon Team to raise money for Cancer Research UK on Sunday April 13. 

When Mr Drucker was at his heavies, at just under 28st, he could not put his own socks on, and faced humiliations such as getting stuck in fairground rides and breaking chairs.

But after joining Swimming World in late 2009, he started a new eating plan and began walking around the block every night.

He gradually progressed to walking to work every day, then to running to work as he built up his fitness levels.

Mr Drucker, who now runs around 40 miles a week, said: “I wanted to show everyone that whatever their weight loss or activity goals, they are achievable.”

The 48-year-old has now also become a Slimming World Consultant himself in Edgware and Golders Green.

He said: “I’ve lost nearly 14st but I’ve gained so much more. I’ve got a great group of new friends. I can really enjoy my family now and my health is so much better.”

Running to raise money for Cancer Research UK is particularly important to Mr Drucker, after he lost his mother to the disease last year.

He said: “My mother Helen was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and underwent chemotherapy.

“Running the marathon to support such a vital cause is so important to me. I am running in my mother’s memory this year and hope to raise funds to help change people’s lives for the better.”

To sponsor Mr Drucker and his 11-man running team visit www.justgiving.com/slimmingworld2014