A 64-YEAR-OLD man who intends to run throughout January has told of his battle with his weight and diabetes.

Paul Taylor, from Barrowford,was more than four stone overweight with Type two diabetes and raised blood pressure.

Knowing he had to improve his health, Mr Taylor joined Pendle’s Up and Active team, who have helped him get fitter and live a healthier life.

It culminated with Mr Taylor joining ‘Couch 2 5k with Trawden Athletics Club’ and within nine weeks he had managed to run five kilometres.

He has now lost an incredible two and a half stone, while his blood sugars are normal and he is off diabetic medication.

Mr Taylor is now in such good shape that he is currently taking part in ‘Run Every Day’ (RED) January, to support mental health charity Mind.

Mr Taylor said: “So at 64 years old, 16 stone and 10 pounds, which for me is more than four stone overweight and with type two diabetes and high blood pressure, I knew it had to be time to do something.

“For me it wasn’t just about losing weight, but it was about being fitter and healthier and the help and support the Up and Active team gave got me started.

“I then set myself a few goals in the gym on the treadmill to walk further, a bit faster and with a slight gradient.

“Soon I was able to do five kilometres with a 10 percent gradient at 6k/h, so a 50-minute brisk walk but however I tried I just couldn’t graduate to a run.

“I then saw the Couch to 5k run by Trawden Athletics Club advertised and as the sessions were close to home I decided to give it a go and what a great experience.”

Mr Taylor said he is now ‘determined’ to complete the RED challenge.

He said: “I’ve ran 69k since the start of January and I’m just going to keep on running.

“It’s all for a worthy cause and is something I really enjoy doing.”

To make a donation to Paul, visit his Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/paul-taylor445.