It's a marathon weight loss effort for Bexhill chef Mike

The 26-year-old, who works at the Mermaid, tipped the scales at over 19 stones but by following a new exercise and diet regime he has brought that down to a trim 11 stones.

He took part in the Brighton marathon and raised funds for Sussex Air Ambulance.

Mike, of Sea Road, said: “I ran a really good race considering it was my first marathon.

“I trained pretty much all winter to prepare myself for my hardest challenge yet. I set myself the challenge of running a marathon to keep me on track with my weight loss, but as time went on my love for running became so much that I entered three half marathons which I completed, and picked up personal best times in all three. “Brighton marathon was amazing and I loved every minute of it.

“It was a hot day with the max temp reaching 24 degrees centigrade. I completed the marathon in 3:20:44., placing me 270th out of 8,000 runners... the top three per cent.

“I am so hooked on running that I have already signed up for the Brighton marathon 2012 and also applied for an entry into the London marathon 2012.”

Mike has a few thank-you’s to those who supported him along the way - wife Chloe and his family, customers and staff at the Mermaid Restaurant, James Kimber of the The Cooden Beach Hotel, The Sackville Residents, Dave Jenkins from S and S Taxis, Carrolls Fruit and Veg, and Betts and Lloyds Butchers.