Pair of portly pals from Grimsby made a big change to shed pounds

BEST friends who have lost a combined weight of 15 stones – the equivalent of 95 bags of sugar – are vowing to keep the pounds off.

At their heaviest, Lee Brown, 22, and Graham Jarvis, 24, were unable to buy clothes on the high street as nothing would fit – not even the XXL sizes.

The Grimsby lads slimmed down to such a point last year, that during a family gathering at Christmas, Lee's uncle hardly recognised him.

But their weight loss has not been easy and has required them to be committed and determined to turn their lives around.

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The pair currently attend Reshapers Health and Fitness Club, Bowling Green Lane, Grimsby, five times a week and have amazed themselves with their success.

Graham recalls the day he decided enough was enough, weighing an overall 23 stones at 5ft 9in.

He said: "I was walking up my stairs at home, there are only 12 of them, and at the top I was totally out of breath.

"I could not continue the way I was and sought help from my family.

"Luckily my sister was signing up to the gym and encouraged me to attend.

"For someone my size, the thought of heading to a place full of people exercising was a daunting prospect.

"However, the staff really welcomed me and from day one stood by me to lose the weight."

Over the past year, Graham has lost more than six stones and has taken part in half marathons.

He said: "I have surprised myself so many times, if someone had told me I would run a half marathon a few years ago I would have never believed them."

The gym runs a 12-week challenge each year from January to March, which encourages people to make changes for the start of a new year. Both Graham and Lee took up this opportunity, which provided more than just exercise.

Lee can not begin to describe how healthier he feels after losing around nine stones in just over a year. He said: "The staff at the gym also go through nutrition with you and talk about your everyday diet."

At his heaviest, Lee weighed 20 stones and struggled to carry out everyday tasks, such as walking.

Not only does he now feel more confident but people give him compliments.

He said: "People can not believe the change I have made, my uncle at Christmas did not recognise me.

"I am going to continue working out at the gym as the aim is to now build up muscle. I am a lot happier but for anyone else thinking about losing weight I would say you have to be 100 per cent committed to succeed and there are professional people on hand to guide you."

Do you have an inspirational story to tell? Get in touch with the newsroom on 01472 372236 or at newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk