WHEN Peter Day struggled to keep up with his daughter during a game of ball, knew it was time to do something about his weight.

The 32-year-old salesman joined Slimming World in February and has been so inspired by his weight loss, and that of others in the group, that tonight he launches a new group for the organisation in Park North.

Peter had originally hoped to lose a stone, but has lost more than two and a half.

“This time 18 months ago I weighed over 18 stone, but I am now down to 14 stone 6lbs and feel amazing and so much healthier,” he said.

“Before I started l knew I was overweight but was in denial about just how bad it was.

“I finally realised how overweight and unfit I was when I was trying to keep up with my seven-year-old in the park and had to let her play without me. It broke my heart.

“Over the next year I struggled with my weight and managed to lose just over a stone but found it so hard to keep the weight off.”

After hearing about the slimming group he decided to take the plunge, and admits that he was nervous before going to the first meeting.

“I thought as a man going to a slimming group it would be hell, but I was so wrong,” he said.

“The support I got in the group was fantastic. Being part of a group was key to my success.

“Once I realised I could do it I was spurred on to lose more and to get to a healthy weight.

And his children, eight-year-old Holly and Isabel, two, are delighted as his weight loss means he has more energy to play with them.

Peter is now opening his own Slimming World group, which starts at 7.30pm tonight at St John’s Church, in Whitbourne Avenue.

“I didn’t think it was possible to lose the weight I have and enjoy the foods that I do, but Slimming World lets you do that,” he said. “If I can help at least one other person I know that I have chosen the right career.”

For more information on the group call Peter on 07535 637418.