A FATHER-TO-BE is planning a dramatic transformation.

In September, Andy Hunt tipped the scales at 20 stones (127kg).

But the 34-year-old from Weymouth has embarked on a gruelling training regime in order to compete in the Ironman competition – and raise £5,000 for Diabetes UK.

Mr Hunt has another four months to prepare his body and mind for the competition, which involves completing a 2.4 mile open water swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run in under 17 hours.

He said: “I’m going to become a father for the first time this year, and shortly after finding this out, my mum was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, partly caused by diet.

“I wanted to do something that would make me a better dad, and I’ve already gone from being an overweight smoker who couldn’t swim a length of a pool to someone who is able to cycle 40 miles on a weekend and eats healthily.”

He admits the competition is ‘a drastic challenge’ but has already lost three stones since beginning training.

As well as getting fit, he aims to raise money for Diabetes UK through sponsorship.

He said: “My wife Tina was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 10 years ago, so I have seen the impact of the condition first hand.

“It has been a long struggle to keep her blood glucose levels stable and under control but we’re finally on the right path and expecting our first child this year.

“Diabetes UK has provided us with a great deal of support and I’d like to return the favour.”

Since winning ongoing group training from fitness instructor Andy Sloan, Mr Hunt trains for up to 14 hours a week in preparation for the competition in July.

Mr Hunt said: “It was very tough at first. I had to detox completely – no cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, or processed food.

“But it gets easier and you get to the point where you don’t want to put that stuff in your body.”

He added: “I decided to do the Ironman challenge because if you’re going to do something, you might as well do something big.

“But it’s nice knowing that Tina is pleased and proud of me, and that I’m making a change that will last the rest of my life.”

Zoë Steer, the charity’s fundraising manager for the south west, said: “The money raised will help improve the care and support of all people with the condition.”