A man has shed more than six stone after being inspired to lose weight and get fit following his father's death from cancer.

Eastern Daily Press: Daniel Butcher pitctured before and after his weight loss. Picture: DANIEL BUTCHERDaniel Butcher pitctured before and after his weight loss. Picture: DANIEL BUTCHER (Image: Archant)

When Daniel Butcher's dad David was battling cancer in his final days, his last wish was for his son to get fit - as Daniel's unhealthy eating and lifestyle were having a detrimental effect on his health.

After his dad's death at the age of 66, Daniel decided he needed to take his father's advice and get himself back into shape.

He used to eat a lot of takeaways, consume fizzy drinks, go out drinking and snack on cakes and biscuits.

But since joining Bannatyne Health Club Norwich West in March, he has shed more than six stone from his 21 stone frame and overcome several health issues.

The 34-year-old, who began attending the gym six to seven days a week - initially using the treadmill - also adopted a new diet to help him shed the pounds.

He now follows a low carb eating plan with fruit or yoghurt for breakfast, chicken or oily fish and vegetables for lunch, and 5pc fat mince bolognaise and vegetables for tea.

Mr Butcher, of Wymondham, who is a father to 16-month-old Isobella, said: 'My dad is my biggest inspiration.

'He said to me: 'Son, I'm worried about you, you don't look good, you need to take care of yourself.' This strength and selflessness was to me life-changing.

'I joined the health club to get fit as dad had told me to and I can't thank the team at the Bannatyne Norwich West Health Club enough as without their help, support and expertise I could not have achieved what I have.

'My levels of fitness have been totally transformed. When I first joined I couldn't run on the treadmill for even five minutes. Now I do the equivalent of two 10k runs a week.

'My dad was worried about how unhealthy I had become and after his death I felt I owed it to him to try to get back into shape.

'Check-ups revealed I had issues with my liver function and they have cleared up since I started eating better and exercising.

'I was devastated when he died and found that running on the treadmill helped me cope with my grief.'

The security firm control shift manager now says he is 'determined to accomplish even more' by setting himself a 'six months to six pack' challenge.

He now has a new exercise programme involving kettle bells, lunges, a cross trainer and resistance training.

The improvement in his fitness led to him taking part in a charity boxing match in July in memory of his dad, raising £2,500 for Cancer Research.

Shaun Cable, general manager at the Bannatyne Health Club Norwich West, said: 'Daniel is an inspiration and he demonstrates how following expert advice about embracing a healthier lifestyle can bring about life-enhancing results.

'The focus at our health clubs is all round wellbeing and enabling people to achieve their fitness goals through a combination of exercise and healthy eating.'