A MAN who shed six stone after taking up running will be taking part in this weekend's Lexicon Bracknell Half Marathon.

Sean Marden, who lives in Forest Park, started running after tipping the scales at 24 stone two years ago.

Now, having lost an incredible six stone, Sean is ready to take on the 13.1-mile course around Bracknell alongside 1,000 other runners this Sunday (13).

Sean said: "Running has changed my life, this is going to be my first time running 13.1 miles, but I’m really looking forward to it.

“I was due to go on a long haul flight a couple of years ago and was concerned I wouldn’t be able to fit into the seat. My first run was a two mile circuit, I think I managed to run about a quarter of a mile, and walked the rest. By joining a local slimming club at the same time as taking up running, I saw results very quickly, losing three stone in four months.

“I’ve never done anything like this before. I have been slightly apprehensive as I have a bad knee injury from playing football, which forced me to take a month off training while I recovered. However, considering I couldn’t run to the end of my street beforehand, and I’m now taking on a half marathon, I’m thrilled with my progress and confident the atmosphere and well-wishers will see me through.”