A GRANDAD who struggled to breathe can now walk for miles, after losing almost five stone.

Dad-of-two John Atherton suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and had other medical problems.

“I became very inactive and piled the weight on,” said John, of Crook Lane, Winsford.

“I had breathing difficulties, blood pressure problems and was border line diabetic.”

The 66-year-old was advised by his doctor to go to Wharton Library.

He was expecting to find a COPD clinic and was surprised to discover he had been referred to a Slimming World class.

“I was the only man with 36 women,” said John. “They gave me a recipe book which I read from cover to cover and lost weight every week for 12 weeks.”

John wore 46-inch waist jeans when he started and his waist now measures a trim 32 inches.

In 63 weeks, he managed to reach his target after losing four and a half stone. He now weighs 11 stone.

“As I was losing weight I was becoming fitter,” he said. “I could do things I couldn’t do before. I felt good.”

John, who has four grandchildren, served in the army with the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers for 22 years.

After various other jobs he rejoined the army and worked as a mechanic with a Territorial Army unit for a further 18 years.

“I’ve always been a confident person through my army training,” said John. “But I was embarrassed to go out because I was massive.

“I would have been dead if I hadn’t lost this weight. I couldn’t even walk up the stairs, now I can walk for three miles at a fair pace.

“I used to have a gardener to mow my lawn. He didn’t turn up for three weeks so I did it and it was easy.

“I feel great, really terrific. I used to eat ready meals and takeaways and Now I cook.

“I eat a lot of chicken and salads and grow my own tomatoes. I’ve eaten pasta which I’d never eaten in my life.

“I can still have fish and chips but I can’t go to the chip shop.”

John still attends a Slimming World club at Trinity Methodist Church on Station Road.

“My COPD has improved massively and I’ve joined a gym,” he added. “Before I used to see my doctor twice a week, now I don’t need to see him. He is happy with my progress. I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t joined this class.

“There are now three men in my group.There is no embarrassment. The ladies are absolutely fantastic and have made us all feel welcome.”