A PERSHORE man has beaten diabetes thanks to a gruelling fitness regime.

Dave Dewett recently completed the arduous 40-mile Double Mucker Rat Race in 11 hours, after he took up British Military Fitness just 18 months ago.

It hasn’t been easy, as Mr Dewett, aged 48, hated every minute of his first fitness class, which he took in Worcester in December 2015.

He said: “I was so far outside my comfort zone. My thoughts were to just get through the session, don't give up! I didn't give up but I did think 'Never again!' "

But Mr Dewett, a project manager, quickly became determined. He said: “I knew I had to go again. I knew that I wanted to do something to get off the sofa and out of the pub, get healthier and feel better about myself. So I signed up for unlimited membership for six months as a birthday present to myself, knowing full well that if I'd signed up for less, it would have been too easy to quit, but with six months, I would make sure I got my money’s worth.

“Before joining BMF I hadn’t run more than about 20 yards in 20 years. I put on weight, my body got weak and my shoulders rounded. I found myself at the doctors and tried to manage my blood sugar levels through diet but my condition was worsening so he put me on medication."

Mr Dewett is now around 16 stone and says: “At my unhealthiest some years ago it peaked at almost 22 stone. Medication and healthier eating helped, but BMF has completely changed my body shape and condition. I’m stronger and a different shape now and hence I’ve had to have my suits re-tailored to smaller sizes twice. I used to buy size 2XL shirts and size 40 trousers, I’ve lost four inches from both my chest and waist, now buying clothes the sizes I did as a teenager.

“18 months on, I feel energised, alive, alert and healthier than at any point I can remember in my adult life, so much so, that I have completed two major mud runs, the Cheltenham Half Marathon and now the Rat Race. But the best thing by far is beating the diabetes. No more tablets."