21-stone IT worker training for London Marathon (From Your Local Guardian)

21-stone IT worker training for London Marathon

9:40am Saturday 4th February 2012 in Sutton By Sophia Sleigh

A 21-stone IT worker is defying his size and training for the London Marathon.

The opening sentence of Andy O’Neil’s first blog entry says: “My name is Andy. I like cakes, and sweets, and pies and buns, and just about everything that is bad for you.”

But the 45-year-old who works for Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals vowed to change his life this January and decided to run a marathon.

The Sutton resident said: “I weigh 21st and have recently had a few problems with my heart.

“Not long ago I realised I could barely walk the mile it took to get to work. Next year I will run a marathon.

“First I was worried about my size and thought it was something I could not do.

“But, there is no reason someone of a larger frame cannot run.

“It is going be tough, no doubt I will experience a few highs and lows, but I need an ambitious goal to really motivate myself to get fit and improve my heart’s health. While I am at it, I will also be raising a few bob for charity along the way.”

The heaviest man to complete a marathon was sumo wrestler Kelly Gneiting who ran last year’s Los Angeles marathon weighing 28st.

Part of Mr O’Neil’s training involves running smaller half-marathons and building himself up to the London marathon.

For his first big challenge, Mr O’Neil will take part in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile in March.

To keep track of Mr O’Neil’s progress, follow his blog at runforthebun.wordpress.com.

To sponsor his first run, visitmy.sportrelief.com/ sponsor/andyoneil.