EXERCISE fanatic Andrew Clayton took part in a major run in Manchester to support a charity close to his heart.

Andrew, from Wincham, returned to his first running event, Run in the Dark Manchester.

The 34-year-old, who lost more than ten stone and reversed his diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes through a drastic lifestyle change and running, first took part in the event in 2015.

Since that first running event Andrew developed an obsession with exercise, and has taken part in many runs over the last year.

At the age of 31 Andrew was 25 stone, and suffering symptoms of diabetes, so was not surprised when he received a call from his GP in June 2014 confirming he had Type 2 diabetes.

He was told he had three months to reduce his level to under 56 or they would have to offer medical help.

Andrew emptied his cupboards, started on a Low Glycemic Load diet to help keep his blood sugar levels consistent and stuck to it.

Three months later and three stone lighter he was told his HbA1c level was below 40 - which meant he had reversed his diabetes.

The Run in the Dark was a homecoming for Andrew, as he headed again to the start line at Media City UK alongside a thousand runners.

He said: “I had such an amazing time last year at Run in the Dark, so there was no question of me signing up again.

“This year didn’t disappoint, with an amazing atmosphere and an even bigger turnout.

“I aimed to complete the run in less than 25 minutes, and I’m very pleased to say my time was 24.55. I placed 24th overall in the 5k runners, and I’m over the moon about it.

“I’ll be returning to Run in the Dark Manchester next year, and I might even take on the 10k then.”

Andrew was fundraising for Diabetes UK, at justgiving.com/fundraising/diabetesintodarkness2016, and has raised £105 towards his £250 target.

It is the fourth year in a row Manchester has hosted Run in the Dark, and this year there was a record entry.