AFTER losing six stone, a Ludgershall man is on his final fundraising push before the London Marathon.

When he weighed more than 20 stone Shaun Wildgoose decided that he needed a drastic weight loss after seeing a picture of himself.

“I decided I needed to lose weight due to the fact that I was meeting Sly Stallone so I needed to lose weight as I wanted to look good in photos,” said Shaun.

“I joined Slimming World in May last year and in the space of six months I lost six stone.”

But this wasn’t enough for the 45-year-old has he pushed himself further by completing the Great South Run and he has now applied to take on the London Marathon.

“The Great South Run just got me into the running mood. I have tried to apply for the London Marathon before on ballot places but I thought this year no matter what I am going to do it.”

The veteran was unsuccessful in the draw, but he applied to various charities in a bid not only to keep his weight loss going, but to also support a good cause.

“I put in a number of charities when I applied for the ballot and Make-a-Wish came back to me. Being ex-forces I applied for the military ones and all the organisations to do with children, being a father.”

So far Shaun has hit running 16 miles but he says that in the coming weeks his training will increase in the run-up to the marathon on April 28.

“Being ex-military I was always running, but since I came out I have kept myself out and about but I was enjoying my food and without knowing it the weight piled on.”

As part of his fundraising efforts Shaun has hosted a quiz and set up a JustGiving page, and as an Ocado worker the company will match fund his donations.

On Friday, March 8, he will host a night of live entertainment at Ludgershall Social Club in his last push for donations.

Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Hewlett will take to the stage, and there will be live music, a charity chest wax and raffle.

Doors open at 7pm for 8pm start. Tickets cost £10. To buy go to jumblebee.co.uk/nightofentertainment.

To sponsor Shaun, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ShaunWildgoose.