Friend of Stephen Sutton sheds 4st to take on skydive record attempt

Lee Woodward wanted to continue fundraising in memory of the inspirational teenager - but knew he had a battle on his hands to get in shape.

Before Stephen,19, died last May, he had set his heart on breaking the record for the most people tandem jumping at 10,000 feet in one day.

Teenage Cancer Trust organised a world record attempt skydive on July 10, but Mr Woodward, 39, was too heavy to sign up for the fundraiser.

With six months to do something about it, he decided to take on both challenges and has so far shed four stone and 2lbs in order to comply with the 16 stone weight limit.

The married father of two met Stephen shortly after Stephen posted his bucket list online and contacted him to help him complete his list .

Lee said: "Our fundraising adventure began, and we never looked back.

"Stephen really did put the fun in fundraising! We had an incredible time. I had never even heard of Teenage Cancer Trust before meeting Stephen, but he was driven and fully focused on giving something back.

"Teenage Cancer Trust had given Stephen truly invaluable support, and Stephen was driven by helping others. His view, which I now share, was that the best way to help yourself is to help others."

The production manager had 26 weeks to lost the pounds and his transformation has been dramatic.

He said: "I needed to drop 60Ibs in 26 weeks. I'm currently in week 21 and have lost a total of 50Ibs meaning I have reached 83 per cent of my target weight with five weeks still to go."

"When Stephen passed away I was shell-shocked. I had almost forgotten Stephen was even unwell as we were having such a superb time raising funds for Stephen's Story. Stephen has shown the nation that Teenage Cancer Trust offers an invaluable support network with specialist units, nurses and care.

Stephen taught me that we should always seek to explore our boundaries and only then will we discover our true potential. I have yet to find my boundaries, but the skydive has pushed me well out of my comfort zone."

To help him reach his target Chase Leisure Centre gave him a free gym pass and he has lost eight inches from his waist, four from his neck, and four from his chest.

Michelle Aucott, Regional Fundraiser for Teenage Cancer Trust, added: "Lee's huge fundraising effort will help us to support other young people with cancer. It's going to be an amazing day in July. "Teenage Cancer Trust is proud to be taking this event forward in Stephen's memory to fulfil his ambition. We are aiming to smash the record in the skies that unfortunately Stephen wasn't able to make a reality in the time he had left."

A total of 400 people, including Stephen's mum, Jane, will take part in the jump at Hibaldstow Airfield in Lincolnshire.

She said: "Stephen's love of life was amazing. He was adventurous, had no fear and lived his life with no regrets. I hope to do him proud by taking part in the skydive."

To sponsor Lee visit www.justgiving.com/lee-woodward2/