Rochdale slimmer to run Manchester half marathon for children's cancer charity

Darren Thompson with daughter Isla

A Rochdale man whom has lost more than four stone to reach his target weight is taking on the Simplyhealth Manchester half marathon in May to raise money for a children’s charity.

After losing weight, Darren Thompson hopes to raise £500 for the Children with Cancer UK charity with his new-found love of running. So far he has raised £400, with £70 coming from his fellow group members.

Darren said: “At the age of 40, my partner and I welcomed our daughter, Isla, into the world. I was middle-aged, overweight and now a new dad, so I decided it was time for a change of lifestyle.”

Weighing 18 stone 8lbs, Darren joined Slimming World consultant Sam Mooney’s group at Cutgate Baptist Church, and hasn’t looked back.

“After losing my first stone in the first month of joining, I decided to get some exercise and took up running. I grew to love it: my weight was coming off and I was feeling healthier,” he said.

Having caught the running bug, Darren began entering various 5k and 10k races, with daughter Isla, four, following in his footsteps by participating in junior parkrun every Sunday.

Now he is looking forward to completing the Manchester half marathon, a distance of 13.1 miles around the city.

Darren added: “I never thought I could achieve this and be the dad I wanted to be. With the help of Slimming World and running, I have now lost over four stone. The next step on my journey is to run a half marathon in May and raise money for the Children With Cancer UK charity.

“I am well on my way to achieving my £500 target with the help of my family, friends, colleagues and Slimming World members. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way.”

To donate, visit:

• www.justgiving.com/fundraising/darren-thompson19