A HONITON businessman, who lost four stones in weight after taking up running, is to take part in the Great North Run for the Help for Heroes charity.

A HONITON businessman, who lost four stones in weight after taking up running, is to take part in the Great North Run for the Help for Heroes charity.

Mike Dawes, 49, a director of independent financial advice firm Carter Dawes, which is based in New Street, says he completed this year's London Marathon and hasn't stopped running.

On September 20, he will be one of 52,000 runners taking part in the 13-mile half marathon.

Mr Dawes has won a gold bond place with Team BUPA, meaning BUPA will match fund whatever he raises up to �2,000.

"I wanted to raise money for Help for Heroes because I've got two sons in the Royal Navy, plus I think it is a very, very good charity," he said.

"I started running in April last year. I felt I was overweight, unfit and unhealthy.

"I've gone from 17 stone to 13 stone, and I'm definitely a much more active person.

"The benefit of running is that you can eat what you like."

Mr Dawes raised �2,300 for the RNLI earlier this year when he took part in the London Marathon.

If you would like to sponsor his Help for Heroes run, you can donate either at his office in New Street or online by visiting www.justgiving.com/mikedawes1