A DAD was inspired to lose an astonishing seven stones in seven months after his son shocked him with a comment about his weight.

Lee Parker, from Ainsworth Lane, Tonge Moor, was so taken aback by eight-year-old Ben’s remark he immediately joined his nearest Slimming World club and began taking more exercise.

And his amazing weight loss journey culminated in him running the Manchester Marathon earlier this month.

Mr Parker, aged 41, and his partner Martin Parker, aged 33, adopted Ben four years ago. And he said he had the youngster, who goes to Tonge Moor Primary School, to thank for transforming his lifestyle.

He said: “My son was sitting next to me watching TV and said ‘I love you, dad, even though you are fat, I still love you’”

“I went upstairs for 10 minutes and had a bit of a cry,to be honest, then I came downstairs and said to my partner ‘find the local slimming group, I want to join.”

Mr Parker, joined Slimming World, at St Chad’s church, in Longworth Street. On the day he signed up he weighed 22st 51b.

But with the group’s help —and a new running and walking regime —the Virgin Trains service manager achieved a remarkable turnaround.

Around seven months to the day since he became a member - he reached his target of losing seven stones and now weighs 15 stone 5lbs.

Mr Parker said: “When I put my mind to something I do it, because I wanted it so much. I wanted to lose weight and show Ben this is what you can do if you put your mind to something.”