Single dad sheds almost 12 stone after being thrown off Disneyland Paris ride in front of daughter

A single dad lost almost 12 stone after being told he could not go on a ride in Disneyland Paris – in front of his 10-year-old daughter.

Now his dream is to inspire others to follow suit.

Shaun Kay, of Dacres road, Forest Hill, weighed 28 stone before hitting rockbottom and deciding to change his ways.

The 36-year-old said: “Being able to go back on those rides with my daughter was my main motivation.

“I went through the doors at Slimming World as a referral, which is where the local council funds the 12 week course, and I lost 11.5 stone in total.

“As a single dad, my daughter has always been my motivation.

“I used to always get a bus up the road but now I am addicted to exercise.

“I recently climbed Mount Snowdon with other slimmers and we raised over 20k.

“I would never have been able to do that when I was at my heaviest.”

It may come as no surprise that lockdowns due to the Coronavirus pandemic has seen a surge in weight gain.

A survey of 5,000 people by Public Health England (PHE) in July this year found that Covid lockdowns and disrupted daily routines have made it challenging for people to eat healthy and keep fit.

Snacking and comfort eating were given as the main contributor by about half of those who said they had gained weight.

Mr Kay said: “The pandemic has been hard and figures show 1.1 million people in South London alone are overweight and need help.”

Lewisham Council are working with Slimming World to offer 12 weeks free weight loss classes to anyone who meets the criteria.

Mr Kay, who is now a consultant for Slimming World, hopes to inspire others to make the changes he did.

“I want to help as many people as possible as I know what it’s like,” he said.

“I have groups in Lewisham and Grove Park – all they have to do is reach out.”

For more information on weight management in Lewisham visit: https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/socialcare/health/diet-and-exercise/weight-management