Mansfield Town

Stuart Eggleshaw, from Kirkby-in-Ashfield, shed the pounds in just 16 months to become Slimming World's 'Biggest Loser' in 2014.

Since then he has turned his attentions to other missions.

Looking ahead to running through the capital with thousands of other charity fundraisers this Sunday, Stuart says preparations have been mixed.

“I’m ‘bricking’ it! Nervous excitement is the appropriate wording. I got diagnosed with Osteoarthritis a few weeks ago so I’ve not been able to train as hard as I would’ve liked.

“I’ve been able to go to the gym and work on cardiovascular, which will hopefully see me complete around the 26 miles.

"Despite losing the massive amount of weight, which took a large amount of hard work coupled with a ‘can do’ attitude, the prospect of jogging past some of the country’s finest landmarks on the way to the finishing line is a more daunting prospect.

“Losing the weight didn’t frighten me but running this far does. This has been more of a challenge in my head, especially being injured. 

“I haven’t given it (finishing the race) too much consideration, it’ll just be a relief to complete such a challenge!”

Stuart is running in aid of Cancer Research UK, which is a charity particularly close to his heart.

“I haven’t done much before for it because of the position I’ve been in. My mum died of Pancreatic Cancer when I was 25 so I’m doing it to acknowledge to my mum that she still means something to me now.

“There’s going to be a group of 13 of us [running the race] but we’re not doing it together, I’ll run my own race.”

And Stuart has a word of advice for people looking to lose weight, whilst he’s already seeking future pursuits.

“My word of advice is not to be afraid of what might be. I was always scared of having excess skin but having lost weight, it’s been half the issue I first feared.

“I’m always looking for the next challenge so I’ll keep my eye out. Having lost weight I’m in a really good place, but I’ll just have to wait and see.”

Chairman John Radford offered encouragement to Stuart, who volunteers for the club as the scoreboard operator, and hopes Stags’ fans can help him raise vital funds.

“He’s a familiar face and valued here at One Call Stadium and I wish him the best of luck. I know the Stags’ faithful have a generous nature, so I’d love it if they can aid his remarkable efforts.” 

Supporters can donate to Stuart’s cause by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/SWMarathonTeam2016.