A man from Tameside has dropped an impressive 10 stone on a mission to restore his health after his mum passed away from cancer.

Paul Barraclough, from Denton, was 22 stone eight years ago and was taking 20 tablets a day to treat a number of health conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, gout and depression.

However, after losing his mum to ovarian cancer a week after being diagnosed, he was jolted into transforming his own health and started a weight loss programme through his GP.

Over the years, he's lost an incredible 10 stone and has reversed many of his health conditions, taking just three tablets a day.

Now, the 56-year-old says he's the fittest he's been in 30 years and had a new lease of life.

The Oldham Times: He has dropped an incredible 10 stoneHe has dropped an incredible 10 stone (Image: Active Tameside)

Paul is a regular at Active Tameside's Wellness Centre gym, a not-for-profit charitable trust, and has stepped forward to inspire others to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

The father-of-five said: "I lost my mum to ovarian cancer within a week of her being diagnosed and it was a big wrench.

"We were all very close and she was the kingpin of the family who held us all together.

"It really hit home and I thought, I've got my children and my wife - if I carry on the way I am, I'm not going to be here much longer."

Paul said he was "a big lad" from an early age, brought up on his mum's home-cooked food of stew, dumplings and steak puddings.

In his adult life, he said he could eat four bacon sandwiches for breakfast, pie and chips for tea and a full packet of biscuits with a cup of coffee.

Paul explained: "It was easily done so the calories were piling on.

“I had all sorts of health problems. Just walking down the stairs or to the shops I’d be out of breath and I couldn’t wear normal-sized clothes.

“I didn’t want to go out because my confidence level was zero.

"I didn’t want to speak to people because I basically felt ugly about myself and I’d felt like that for years, even before my mum passed away.

“I was a mess. Losing my mum was the kick I needed.”

At 22 stone and 5ft 4, Paul had a 54-inch chest and 48-inch waist and said while eating healthily turned into a "life-changing" experience, his journey wasn't always plain sailing.

He initially attended the gym with a friend but when the pal gave up, Paul said he lost motivation and spiralled into his old ways, fuelled by grief.

However, after attending a Tameside Council course to rebuild his confidence and self-esteem, he regained the determination to start again.

Paul became a member at Tameside Wellness Centre which helped him with a programme of strength and cardio exercises where he currently attends four times a week.

He added: "I can walk for miles now. I could never do that before.

“I’ve got a new lease of life and so much more confidence now.

“If I can do it, anyone can do it and it’s my goal to help other people to achieve their weight loss and fitness goals if I can.

“I feel like I’m in my prime now.

"It’s time to live my life.”