A MAN who lost an astonishing 10 stone in weight has shown that everyone can help raise money for charity.

Last summer Mat Gilliard, 26, of Barbourne, Worcester, decided to take part in Noah's Ark Trust's first Run to Remember event.

Having lost so much weight, Mr Gilliard, along with colleague Nicki Castles, was looking for a new challenge and when he spotted the event advertised it seemed perfect.

"We saw the article about the run coming up and wanted to do it," said Mr Gilliard.

"I had done some work in the gym to prepare myself for it, but I had never properly run before.

"But I am so glad I did it."

Before the run, Mr Gilliard, who works for the Department for Work and Pensions in Farrier Street, Worcester, joined a Slimming Word group in Christchurch, Malvern, weighing 24st 9oz (158kg).

He lost a total of 9st 12oz (57.9kg) and when he reached his target weight, he set himself a new challenge.

"I lost the weight but wanted to get fit with it, and to be able to raise the money for a charity made it even better," he said.

In total, Mr Gilliard raised £338 through friends, family and work colleagues. He is now keen to continue raising money for the trust. "I'm so glad I did it and was able to raise money for Noah's Ark," he said.

"While I haven't had to use the charity's services I know what they do and it is important because if a child is in the position where they have lost a loved one, they definitely need support from someone."

This week, your Worcester News launched its £1million Towards a Brighter Future Appeal to raise money for the trust. On Sunday, September 21, the trust is holding its next Run to Remember.

Mr Gilliard hopes to take part, but this time he intends to challenge himself to do the 10km route. "I am running a lot more since the event and it is all off the back of the initial run so that is just great," he said.

Mary Irish, community fundraising manager for Noah's Ark Trust, said: "Throughout the community at every level and age group people support us. Some will have been affected by bereavement, some will have been supported by our team, but mainly they will be people who would want to ensure that no child should grieve alone if help is freely available."

l Fun fund-raising events are a great way of helping the 'Towards A Brighter Future' appeal. If you're planning an event, let us know and we'll publicise it in print and online.

Just contact reporter Claire Fry on 01905 742263 or e-mail cf@worcester news.co.uk