A SUPER slimmer has reached a new height in demonstrating his new healthy lifestyle.
Two years ago Cliff Davenport, of Chirk, weighed 30 stone and found walking 100 yards unbearable but, now just half his original weight, he has fulfilled his ambition to climb the highest point in Wales.
Revitalised following his audacious slimming programme in the past two years, Mr Davenport, 56, was able to complete the climb to the summit of Snowdon in less than three hours and without problems, raising more than £1,000 in the process.
“The feeling I had when I reached the summit was absolutely brilliant,” he said. “It was wonderful to get there and see the views.
“This is something nobody can take away.
“When I think about where I was before then this is a massive achievement for me.”
But reaching the summit may not be the peak of how far the newly-athletic Mr Davenport can go.
“I’m just chuffed at what’s been achieved,” he said.
“But I don’t want to stop at this. I would definitely do it again and am looking at what challenges I can do in the future.
“I am still going to the gym five nights a week and regularly do long walks.
“I went for an eight mile walk the other day and didn’t feel a sweat. That shows how much things have changed.”
Mr Davenport hopes to raise up to £1,500 from his endeavours, with more than £1,000 having already been pledged by well-wishers in aid of the new MySpace autistic group in Black Park, in Chirk and the Chirk Hospital Scanner Appeal.
“I’m very grateful to everyone who has sponsored me for helping me raise this amount to go towards two good causes,” added Mr Davenport.
“I am planning to get a big cheque to hand over to them.”
Mr Davenport attributed his previous heavy weight down to boozing in front of the TV and through unhealthy eating habits.
The grandfather-of-four became beset by health problems, including diabetes and blood pressure difficulties.
He underwent a private gastric bypass in Belgium two years ago, with the size of his stomach reduced and limits placed on what he can eat.
Speaking the the Leader last month about what had allowed him to lose the weight, he said: “The main thing has been controlling my diet.
“Everything’s cleared and that’s all because of the way I eat and exercise.
“Now I enjoy each day and feel comfortable with my diet.”
Mr Davenport wishes to thank staff at the gym at Chirk Leisure Centre and Chirk Surgery for their help in allowing him to lose weight in the past two years to allow climbing Snowdon to become mission accomplished.