Dad's cancer battle has inspired his son to lose six stone in six months

Kal Group Managing Director, Andy Wood, with his dad, Clive

Andy Wood is about to embark on one of the biggest challenges of his life, losing six stones in six months, to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Andy, who owns Kal Group, a leading Lincolnshire marketing agency and champion for the mobile leisure industry, said his motivation is his dad, Clive.

Andy said: “He was diagnosed with cancer six months ago and he underwent major surgery to remove the cancers.

“He is due to start six months of chemotherapy and I want my challenge to last the same time.

“I’ve always toyed with the idea of losing weight and my dad has always nagged me about it, but he really has inspired me to commit to the challenge.

“What’s unexpected and fantastic is that several of my colleagues at Kal Group have started their own challenges like losing weight or quitting smoking.”

Andy, who began his challenge on Tuesday, March 1, is adopting a simple weight loss strategy and has tasked General Manager Helen Steedman to track his progress on a weekly basis.

He said: “I am limiting my calorie intake to 1,000 calories per day.

“This isn’t as bad as it sounds – the other day I had porridge for breakfast, soup and fruit for lunch, plenty of water then a low-calorie meal under 500 calories and a yoghurt for tea.”

To make sure he reaches his goal, Andy is also hoping to go swimming, walk more and has started monitoring his exercise and fitness with a Fitbit app.

All funds raised over the six months will go to Cancer Research UK to help find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Andy’s fundraising has got off to a flying start, with nearly £300 of his £5,000 target already raised via his JustGiving page.

He added: “I’d love you to follow my progress on my blog where I’ll be posting about my daily struggles and my Dad’s progress as we aim for our goals.

“Together, we will beat it.”

To support Andy and make a donation visit his Just Giving page, www.justgiving.com/6-stone-6-months.

And to follow Andy’s progress and for updates on his dad’s treatment visit his blog at www.6stonein6month.tumblr.com.

For more information about Cancer Research UK and how you can help raise money visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.