A COLCHESTER man who shed six stone during lockdown after getting addicted to running is taking on the London Marathon in memory of his grandfather.

Recruitment worker Rupert Mullis tipped the scales at a portly 19 stone at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

On furlough and increasingly unhappy with his weight, he decided there was no better time to do something about it.

After downloading the 'Couch to 5k' app he began pounding the streets of Colchester, starting out 30 seconds at a time and gradually running for longer.

Now, 18 months on and six stone lighter, Rupert is preparing to run the Virgin Money London Marathon this October in aid of Orchid, which raises awareness and supports men with prostate, testicular or penile cancer.

The 25-year-old said: “Just as coronavirus hit I was on furlough and sat at home.

“I thought I needed to sort myself out a bit.

“I downloaded the Couch to 5K app and started running.

“I hated it for the first month but then I started to get a bit addicted.

“I just felt healthier and more energetic and started to wonder why I hadn’t done it before.

“The weight was melting off me and then I started enjoying the runs.”

By last July Rupert was able to run several miles in a session.

Having caught the running bug he decided he wanted to continue pushing himself further.

Taking a leap of faith he decided to apply to take part in the marathon, securing a place for Orchid alongside brother Freddie, 26.

Gazette: Rupert and brother FreddieRupert and brother Freddie

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The charity is one close to both their hearts.

Rupert said: “My grandad Cecil Minter suffered from prostate cancer for four or five years.

“He passed away in 2013 whilst still fighting the cancer.

“It is also close to my heart because I know quite a few other people who are also suffering from prostate cancer.

“Us men tend to be a bit funny about going to the doctor, particularly when it comes to things like this.”

Gazette: Rupert weighed 19 stone before lockdown Rupert weighed 19 stone before lockdown

Although Rupert has run significant distances in one go before, he admits the full 26.2 mile distance is proving a bit daunting.

But with his brother by his side he is determined to make the finish line on Sunday, October 3, and hopes to raise thousands of pounds for the charity at the same time.

“I have done a couple of half marathons off my own back and the longest run I have done is 25k,” he said.

“I am building it up slowly for the big day.

“I am feeling nervous as it is quite a big deal.

“But I am looking forward to it and I am sure I will finish one way or another.

“I am not too worried about the time as long as I get over the finish line.”

Gazette: He now weighs 13 stone and is running the London MarathonHe now weighs 13 stone and is running the London Marathon

Whilst his weight was 19 stone, Rupert says he never dreamed he would ever run the London Marathon.

“I thought running would be something which would last a week and then I’d give up,” he said.

“The thing which helped the weight come off was a mixture of running and eating healthier.

“I started eating less junk and more fruit and vegetables.

“I would go as far as saying running has changed my life.

“I am more confident now and my ability to do things has changed.

“There have been a lot of people I haven’t seen over the past 18 months who have bumped into me and they haven’t quite recognised me, which is quite funny.

“A lot of them have asked me how I’ve managed to lose so much weight.

He added: “I have always been pretty big so it has been a bit of a shock for people.”

Rupert and Freddie are hoping to raise £4,000 for Orchid by running the marathon.

You can donate to their appeal at bit.ly/3irNjxp.