AN ALLOA pensioner who lost weight so that he could watch his grandchildren grow up has continued his amazing weight loss by signing up for the Kiltwalk.

George Stewart was diagnosed with type two diabetes in May 2017 after tipping the scales at a hefty 23 stones.

The OAP decided at that moment that enough was enough and decided to lose weight because he feared not being able to watch his grandchildren grow up.

Now the 72-year-old has decided to keep the fitness regime going by signing up for the Glasgow to Balloch Kiltwalk which takes place on April 28 this year.

The 26-mile route will represent the biggest challenge for George so far, although the training is well underway.

So far, George has began walking from Alloa to the centre of Stirling which is 11 miles and his next big route is Alloa to Dollar and back, around 20 miles.

George told the Advertiser: "This has not been easy, but I am getting excellent results on my diabetes checks by nurses.

"I want to thank everyone for their encouragement and I really hope my story keeps others away from the lessons I have learned which are one, it is never too late to change your lifestyle and two, only you can make the change.

"It is hard work but very satisfying and maybe my next step will be to purchase a bike."

Speaking to the Advertiser in August, George outlined just how precarious his health situation was, including the stigma around being overweight.

He said: "It is hard when people with excess weight are classified as lazy and couch potatoes, although sadly in a lot of cases it is true.

"But our society has much of the blame. There are so many high sugar products, fizzy drinks, fast food and cheap high-calorie foods.

"In early May 2017, I weighed 23st and contracted diabetes. No surprise then that it was a wake-up call.

"I tried very hard to cut out cakes, biscuits, take away food and generally try to eat properly."