A BUSINESSMAN has lost four stone in weight but also gained £900 for charity in a sponsored slim.

Ilkley resident John Dobson weighed in at 26st 7lb before he began his sponsored effort last year.

He wanted to lose weight to improve his health and improve his mobility, to get more out of playing golf and bowls, as a member of Ilkley Bowling Club and a former member of Ben Rhydding Golf Club.

Mr Dobson, 43, who is currently developing his business, AJD Private Hire, decided to link his weight loss to a fund-raising activity and chose Macmillan Cancer Support and Leeds Hospital Radio Sports as the charities he was to support.

John’s father died of cancer some 21 years ago, so the choice of Macmillan was a natural choice.

He began his slimming regime under the guidance of Slimming World, and would like to thank group leader Rachael Spence, the slimming group, and his wife, Carolynne, and family for supporting his efforts.

John’s weight loss can be put down to healthy eating and included a regular breakfast at the Little Deli in Ilkley and an occasional ‘treat’ at the Moghul Restaurant in Burley. Fresh fruit from Morrisons Local store in Ilkley completed his nourishment.

He would like to thank all of those who contributed to his fundraising, especially customers of Morrison’s Local who contributed £433 in a bucket collection, Moghul Restaurant, and many individual contributions from friends and contacts.

John’s final weight was 22st 7lbs and he celebrated his achievement with a visit to Headingley to watch Yorkshire play cricket.