Businessman Jody’s four stone challenge

In the first week of exercising and healthy eating, Jody has already shed 10lb and he is determined to stick to his new regime with the help of his personal trainer Brendan O’Meara.

Jody, who was born in Dewsbury and now runs an industrial painting business in Ossett, aims to get down to 18 stone by the end of August. He is also raising money for Kirkwood Hospice along the way.

“I was busy running the business and I just let my health and well-being take a back seat,” said 32-year-old Jody. “When I got the chance to lose some weight and raise some money for a good cause, it seemed an ideal opportunity.”

Jody is being encouraged by his family – wife Natalie and daughters Georgina, five, and Alexa, four – and other people who train at the Stadium Health and Fitness Complex in Huddersfield.

“My mum, Margaret Wainwright, died 10 years ago at Kirkwood Hospice and it is a charity close to my heart,” said Jody. “I am quite a determined person and I am receiving a lot of support.”

Jody is now training hard by running, cycling and going to the gym and eating healthily. Over the next four months he will also be taking part in sprint triathlons at Ossett, Wakefield and other towns in West Yorkshire.

“So far the first week hasn’t been too bad but I am under pressure to succeed.”

Jody’s trainer Brendan O’Meara, a former Dewsbury Rams player, said: “Jody is making a personal and public commitment. Max Fitness has set the ball rolling with a donation of £50 and we are encouraging people to give him support and make a donation to Kirkwood Hospice.

“We really want Jody to achieve his gaol and be fit and healthy.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/MaxFitness to donate.