A WHITCHURCH father of three has transformed himself after suffering two heart attacks.

Leigh Waddington has even been nicknamed Mr Sleek after losing five stone and three pounds with the help of Slimming World.

He went from 22 stone five lbs to 17 stone since joining his local group.

Since he was 18, Leigh has struggled with his weight.

He spent a lot of time away working and his weight spiralled to 22 stone due to fast food consumption. The long hours spent away also led to fatigue and a lack of exercise.

The 42-year-old said: “I never ever had the time to exercise I was always too tired and after being away from home all week working unsociable hours.

"I would even drive 300 yards to the shop and never walk anywhere.”

Two heart attacks and fears his three children would grow up without a father led him to join Slimming World.

Leigh said: “Initially I was just going to go and get weighed and then leave. One of the reasons was being embarrassed and the thought of being the only male at the group. How wrong was I? I was made me to feel very welcome.

“Over the coming weeks, I planned meals, no more takeaways and eating junk food, crisps, chocolate and a few cans of alcohol in the evening was now gone and I had a new healthy eating regime. I’m now eating some fantastic meals and introducing some new foods into cooking. I was even eating fruit and more vegetables.

“Since losing the weight I have noticed I have more energy. I now love getting out and about walking and getting active with the kids which we regularly enjoy walking in the hills and activities like Ninja Warrior and ice skating.”

Tina Haywood, who runs the Wem and Whitchurch groups which Leigh attends, said she hopes he will inspire other men in Wem and Whitchurch who want to lose weight.

She said: “He’s a real inspiration to the group. We know that many men assume slimming clubs won’t be right for them, but Leigh shows that once they come through the doors they do so well.

"Like Leigh I would advise anyone who would like to lose weight to find the courage to take that first step.”