A Norfolk newsagent ran a half marathon after losing 7st in just 10 months.

Eastern Daily Press: Matthew Mills ran a half-marathon after losing 7st. Pictures: Supplied by Matthew MillsMatthew Mills ran a half-marathon after losing 7st. Pictures: Supplied by Matthew Mills (Image: Archant)

Matthew Mills, 32, who works at family-run Cromer Crossways newsagent, weighed nearly 21st in September 2014.

But that was reduced to 13st and 11lb by July 2015 and he completed the London Landmarks half marathon race - his first run - on Sunday, March 25 in two hours 20 minutes.

He said: 'As recently as September 2014 I weighed 20st 8lb. As a fairly short 5ft 7ins man this made me pretty massive.

'I had to get on my knees to tie my shoe laces and I would get out of breath just doing normal routines.

Eastern Daily Press: Matthew Mills ran a half-marathon after losing 7st in 10 months. Pictured with friends outside the Troll Cart in Yarmouth. He's the one wearing yellow in the middle. Pictures: Supplied by Matthew MillsMatthew Mills ran a half-marathon after losing 7st in 10 months. Pictured with friends outside the Troll Cart in Yarmouth. He's the one wearing yellow in the middle. Pictures: Supplied by Matthew Mills (Image: Archant)

'I had no self-esteem and was seriously depressed with my life situation. I couldn't snap out of it like a normally did.

'I knew at this point I couldn't keep feeling this low which I had done, really, when I look back, since I was 17. I had to get up and do something about it.

'So I did, and 10 months down the line, after lots of running and a healthier lifestyle, I was the lightest I had been and the happiest since I was a kid at school. I had lost nearly 7st and weighed in at 13st and 11lb. I have since kept this regime up.'

His preparation for the half-marathon started with small runs around the block.

He added: 'In the last year I did about 15-20 miles a week in training.

'I have raised £560 for Make-A-Wish Foundation UK with online donations and about £100 to 150 in donations in a charity container in the shop.

'The charity makes magical wishes come true to enrich the lives of children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions.

'I picked it because, even though I was in a unhealthy and bad situation back in 2014, I still could do something about it with the right mindset, as it was something I had created. Some children and young people are not fortunate enough to have their destiny is in their own hands.'

Mr Mills is still fundraising. If you want to help, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/matthew-mills18