Pumping iron - Christopher Hibbert, who lost six stone, lifts some weights under the eye of fitness instructor Brett Bowen. Picture: STEVE BRADING (53141-c)
A man who was told he would be dead by 30 if he did not lose weight has scooped a national fitness award.
Christopher Hibbert, of Clacton, was 18 stone, battling high blood pressure and warned that diabetes and heart problems were just around the corner - when he was aged just 22.
Two years after joining a gym, he has lost six stone, won top prize at Fitness First's New You Achievement Awards and become a fitness instructor.
"Nearly half my body was lard," said Mr Hibbert.
"Now I am a lot happier, I have so much more confidence and feel like I can achieve anything I want to."
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