Rochester dad loses 17 stone to stop daughter being bullied and will run in London Landmarks Half Marathon in aid of Cancer Research

Published: 12:58, 06 March 2020 | Updated: 15:26, 06 March 2020

A man lost more than half his body weight as he feared his daughter would be picked on for having a "fat dad".

Carl Prodrick, from Rochester, is now aiming to run in this year's London Landmarks Half Marathon (LLHM) on March 29.

Carl before and after his weight loss. Picture: PA Real Life/Collect

The 45-year-old made the lifestyle change eight years ago before his daughter Ruby started school, as he was worried she would be bullied about his size.

Carl weighed 33 stone at his largest but after dedication and hard work he now clocks in at 15 stone nine pounds.

His initial weight loss was thanks to Slimming World and then a gastric bypass.

He said: "I didn't want my daughter to be picked on and so that was my drive and motivation.

"Through what I can only say was a battle, I did it with the help of people around me.

"I used to be 33 stone but I've lost more than half of my body weight and want to show people that if I can do it, anybody can."

In preparation for the LLHM, he set himself a varied training regime, including taking part in high intensity interval training (HIIT) six days a week.

He also plans to incorporate road running to help him prepare for the half marathon.

The motoring prototype builder is raising money for Cancer Research after he lost his father-in-law and mother to the disease.

He added: "Losing both my father-in-law and my mother to cancer was a massive blow, especially to illnesses that were relatively short lived.

"Taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon is going to be a hugely emotional experience.

Carl and his family. Pictured (From left) is Carl's daughter Ruby, his wife Tracey and his stepdaughter Isabel. Picture: PA Real Life/Collect

"I have already run the Brighton half marathon in memory of my father-in-law, but running the London Landmarks Half Marathon in memory of them both will be a very special moment.

"When I see that finish line, I don't know what I'm going to do or how I'm going to react."

The LLHM was created to celebrate London's history and the route will showcase iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, Nelson's Column, the Gherkin, the Shard and the Tower of London.

The route will also unearth less well-known sites such as Guy Fawkes' house, Britain's smallest police station, St Mary-Le-Bow Church and London's oldest shop.