Dad cycling marathon distance every day after losing 12 stone
Father-of-two Tim Kershaw, from Quarry Bank, Brierley Hill, has used lockdown to lose 12 stone in weight and is now determined to use his fitness to help others.
Tim, an assistant business leader at McDonald's in Merry Hill, slimmed down from 26 stone to 14 stones during the first lockdown, and has now taken on a marathon cycling challenge during April.
He aims to help raise vital funds for the Ronald McDonald's House in Birmingham that helps families with children who are ill and need specialist care to stay together.
Tim has challenged himself to completing a marathon each day during April and his initial target of raising £1,000 has already been overtaken. Now, he hopes to gain £4,000 in sponsorship through a JustGiving page.
Tim said: "I am now fitter and hope that I have become a model for my family and others and just want to use my fitness to help other people.
"I managed to lose weight through exercise and a balanced diet and although I found the first two weeks hard I was determined to continue.
"I think it is all about mindset and although people cannot be motivated each day they can be disciplined.
"My exercise bile is in the bedroom of our semi-detached home by the window and I managed to get up to 45 minutes and did this four to five times each week.
"The neighbours could not see me because I was doing this really early in the morning.
"I think I piled on the weight because I was comfortable and it was easier to have a take-away and watch television.
"I want people to realise it is not a life sentence and just one of making bad choices and I also wanted to show what a role model I could be for my children, two-year-old Abel and six-months-old Lilah.
"I work shifts but am now doing one hours and forty minutes each day during April and completing 26.2 miles every day for the charity.
"I set a target of raising £1,000 but everything has just gone crazy and I reached the £3,000 mark in just two weeks.
"The money will go to the Ronald McDonald's House in Birmingham to help families whose children are poorly and needing treatment in a specialist hospital.
"The houses are described as a home from home for such families and so far colleagues, friends and their families have contributed."
