A Slimming World leader who lost 13 stone has run one of the toughest marathons in the world.

Michael Drucker, 46, from Edgware, ran the Jerusalem marathon last Friday and raised £4,000 for SHALVA, the Association for Mentally and Physically Challenged Children in Israel.

The charity provides 24-hour treatment for more than 500 children with special needs, providing a place where parents can send their children while they have some respite.

The first-time marathon runner completed the hilly run in five hours and 13 minutes despite hail and 73kph gusts of wind.

Just over two years ago Mr Drucker weighed 28 stone and could not walk up a flight of stairs without becoming breathless.

However, his wife Sharon encouraged him to join weight loss club Slimming World and he lost 13 stones in 14 months.

Mr Drucker said: “I was a real couch potato. I never did any exercise at all, I wanted to be healthier and more active for my kids but I didn’t know where to start.”

Starting by just walking short distances and talking the stairs rather than the lift, Mr Drucker experienced such an improvement in his health that he was soon running three miles a day to work and back.

He now weighs 14 stone and leads Slimming World groups in Edgware with nearly 300 members.

Mr Drucker said: “I have so far raised £4,000, nearly all of which has come from the generous support of my Slimming World members.

“The warmth and support from my members made me really feel that we were running the marathon together and inspired me to get over that finishing line.”