A father from Wymondham was inspired to lose weight and get fit following his dad's death from cancer.

Eastern Daily Press: Daniel Butcher being put through his paces by personal trainer Matt Deller. Picture: JAMIE GARBUTTDaniel Butcher being put through his paces by personal trainer Matt Deller. Picture: JAMIE GARBUTT (Image: Jamie Garbutt)

When Daniel Butcher's dad David was battling cancer in his final days, his last wish was for his son to get fit. David felt that Daniel, father to 16-month-old Isobella, was jeopardising his health with his unhealthy eating and lifestyle.

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

'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.'

In March 2017, he decided to join a health club in Norwich to help him along his weight-loss journey.

Since joining Daniel, 34, has managed to shed more than six stone from his former 21-stone frame. He has also overcome several health issues.

'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.'

Bannatyne Health Club in Norwich give him valuable exercise advice and provided a healthy eating regime.

'I joined the health club to get fit as Dad had told me to and I can't thank the team enough.'

Daniel, a security control shift manager, also said that exercise such as running helped him to cope with the grief of his dad's death.

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

He is now determined to build on his weight-loss success and has set himself a new 'six-month-to-six-pack' challenge.

Following the support of a personal trainer, Daniel was able to take part in a charity boxing match last July and raised £2,500 for Cancer Research UK, in memory of his dad.

'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.'