Harlow: Dad Sheds Four Stone After Stroke

28 May 2012, 12:01

A father-of-two from Harlow has shed more than four and a half stone in just seven months after suffering a mini stroke.

Over the years, Andrew Townshed's weight crept up as he developed bad eating habits and did less exercise.

And, when his wife was pregnant and put on weight, then so did the 53-year-old. 

In December 2008, Andrew suffered what doctors suspected was a mini stroke and it turned out to be the catalyst he needed to do something about the weight that had piled on over the years.

"I was questioned about my lifestyle and had to admit to my complete lack of exercise at the time: I had to address my health problems through diet and exercise or take make medication to reduce my blood pressure and cholesterol and, as I did not want to take tablets I chose the healthy lifestyle route," says Andrew. 

Andrew joined the Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club in January 2009 along with his wife and discovered that the portion sizes he was used to were far too large.

"What struck me was how much I was overeating,"  adds Andrew who lost 2st in the first eight weeks. 

As well as exercising in the class, Andrew has also invested in a cross trainer for all of the family to use, which he uses for half an hour each day.

His blood pressure and cholesterol have now returned to normal and as a scout leader he is now able to take his scouts on hiking trips without struggling to get up the hills.  Best of all though is he is now setting a good example to his sons aged 22 and 19.