A FATHER-of-four from Newton-le-Willows has lost six stone in as many months - and now he's preparing for an extreme challenge.

Stephen Lears, 31, who was almost 19 stone at the start of 2014, has entered Hell Runner.

Stephen, a consultant who lives in Barley Mere Close, describes his pre-weight loss self as "extremely unhealthy".

He said: "I have worked tirelessly to improve my fitness and have finally reach my goal weight of just under 13 stone this month. I feel that I am at the right fitness level now to push myself to the absolute limit and try to help a worthwhile charity at the same time."

Hell Runner, which takes place on November 1, covers 10 to 12 miles of tough, twisting trails, including the famed Hills of Hell and the Bog of Doom.

Stephen, who has three daughters aged 11, 10 and six and a son aged three, said: "It will be exhausting, wet and miserable, but utterly worth it."

He is raising money for CLIC Sargent, a cancer charity for children, young people and their families.

He told the Star: "I had a health scare in February and was rushed to hospital. It turned out to be nothing serious but it spurred me on to lose weight.

"I'd always wanted to do it; I've always been overweight."

Stephen said the first few weeks were tough - he started a healthy eating programme and going to the gym.

"It was terrible," he said, "but as the weeks went by and I started losing weight, it got easier and I even started enjoying it."

To prepare for Hell Runner, Stephen is running and changing his diet to include more carbohydrates.

He said: "My ultimate aim is prove myself and raise money for a good cause."

CLIC Sarent provide support to help people cope with cancer. They aim to help the whole family deal with the impact of the disease, life after treatment and, in some cases, bereavement.

Stephen said: "I chose the charity because I have four children and I wanted to do something for children and their families who are going through difficult times.

"For those who are able to donate, no matter how small, I'd like to say a big thank you."

Stephen can be sponsored through Virgin Money Giving by clicking the link virginmoneygiving.com/slears.

If a company would like to sponsor Stephen, he says he will wear this logo on his running shirt during the event. Any interested parties can contact him by email at slears@me.com.

For more information on CLIC Sargent, please visit clicsargent.org.uk and for details of Hell Runner, please visit hellrunner.co.uk.