A Hamilton driving instructor is on the right road to successfully lose more than half of his body weight.
Ian Campbell, of Hillhouse, has already lost seven stone and has now challenged himself to lose a further 21 stone before his 50th birthday in three years.
The 47-year-old was just two pounds off 40 stone when he got the worrying news that his wife, Sue, had found a lump in her breast.
Ian could not believe that his wife, who had already suffered a stroke a number of years ago, was then dealt a second medical blow.
He explained: “She received this huge scare when she found the lump in her breast last year.
“We have a daughter, who was just 12 years old at the time, and I thought what if anything happens to Sue, how would I cope?
“Here I am just a few pounds off of 40 stone. It’s time I became fit and healthy.”
It was at that point Ian’s journey began, and he bought a recipe book containing healthy meals and managed to lose four stone in just a few months.
However, Ian knew he had a long way to go and needed that extra push.
He explained: “Sue was given the all-clear as it was an abscess and it was non-cancerous. However she is still treated for it today.
“But the scare really gave me the kick that I needed.
“I’m a driving instructor, so sitting down all day wasn’t helping.
“But it was one of my students who was learning to drive who told me about the Bravehearts Boxing Gym in Hamilton.
“And it was there that things really started to progress.”
Ian was introduced to Steven McMillan, owner of the gym, who was only too happy to help.
And Ian explained: “I was really apprehensive, being a bigger guy going to the gym.
“Steven was just awesome. He has helped me train and the support has been unbelievable. He really puts me through my paces and I can’t believe the things I can do now.
“I then lost a further two stone in weight.
“I also go walking round Strathclyde Park and we are hoping to get a group together to encourage others.
“If a 40 stone guy can do it anyone can.
“The training at the boxing gym has really pushed me to my limit, and at times I’ve felt really emotional after my workout.”
Ian has also been given the help from a Ouiprep – a firm who make healthy meals.
He added: “I am sent two meals per day and they are sponsoring me too, so it’s been great.
“I feel like I have won the lottery, having a personal trainer and a chef.
“My wife Sue’s lump was non-cancerous in the end but the scare was enough to make me re-evaluate.
“My daughter Emily, who is now 13, has also joined the gym with me and it’s great just having all the family’s support.
“I’ve got my own vlog called thebigianchallenge where I diary my experience.”
You can also follow Ian's challenge on his Twitter page.
