Celebration bike ride as Chris sheds the pounds (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

Celebration bike ride as Chris sheds the pounds

9:11am Thursday 27th September 2012 in News

A BURY man who lost six stone in 18 months is to take part in a 52 mile night-ride to inspire others.

Chris Maffei, aged 58, has lost nearly a third of his bodyweight, slimming down from 19 stone to 13.

To celebrate, he is taking on the Manchester to Blackpool Night Ride for the British Heart Foundation charity. this weekend.

Mr Maffei explained: “I just got to the point 18 months ago where I had to do something about my weight.

Having been reasonably fit most of my life I couldn’t understand how I got to 19 stone.

“I think when it’s difficult to tie your shoe lace, it’s time to do something. I then joined WeightWatchers and followed their healthy eating plan and have discovered my love of cycling which has helped me shed the pounds.

“I started cycling about three months ago and I am now covering about 150 miles a week. I’m really looking forward to the night ride. I feel I am now in the best shape of my life.

“I now work for WeightWatchers and am enthusiastic about healthy eating and exercise. I have found that losing the weight has even had psychological advantages — in fact the whole thing is a big positive.

“It’s going to be a challenge — but I’m sure it will be fun.”

The Manchester to Blackpool Night Ride, which is supported by Santander, takes place during Saturday night and early Sunday morning.

The BHF hopes to raise £175,000 for the Mending Broken Hearts Appeal to fund groundbreaking research.

Night riders will start from the Trafford Centre at 11pm on Saturday and finish at Blackpool Tower.

To sponsor Chris: visit justgiving.com/Christopher-Maffei1 To enter visit: the bhf.org.uk/m2bdark or call 0300 456 8355.