Damon Clarke's weight loss celebrated with renewal of vows (From Dorset Echo)

Damon Clarke's weight loss celebrated with renewal of vows

1:00pm Tuesday 8th January 2013 in News By Catherine Bolado

IT’S a case of new year, new you for one taxi driver.

Damon Clarke, from Charminster, has begun the new year more than eight-and-a-half stone lighter than this time last year.

And to celebrate the start of life as a ‘new man’ he asked his wife of 18 years, Clare, to marry him all over again on their wedding anniversary on Boxing Day – and she said yes.

Mr Clarke proposed the ‘old-fashioned’ way by getting down on one knee in front of the whole family on Boxing Day.

He said: “She was really pleased.

“I’m excited – possibly a little bit more nervous than the first time round. It’s the unknown – the renewing of the vows.”

The couple didn’t have a honeymoon the first time round and so are looking at possible destinations.

He said he was looking forward to 2013.

He said: “Travelling is exciting, life is exciting and I’m looking forward to it.”

Mr Clarke started his transformation on January 6, 2011, at a Slimming World class in Dorchester – he said he was inspired to lose the weight after playing football with his sons, Callum and Tyler, and becoming tired out after a couple of minutes.

Mr Clarke said: “I did it for myself.”

He added: “I got to that point and you are living for your kids and wife.”

He started at 25st 3.5lbs and now weighs 16st 11lbs.

He said he ‘didn’t feel any different,’ and had to look at himself in the mirror and at photographs of himself before to remind himself that he is less than two thirds the size he was.

As well as going to the gym three times a week, Mr Clarke now enjoys playing football with his sons.