A construction site manager who told his dying partner that he would lose weight has made good his promise, and won £4,000.

David Ford used to weigh 23 stone and have 48% body fat. But in little over a year he has transformed his life, shedding six stones and now helping others battle the bulge at a park near where he lives in Earl’s Court .

In doing so, he won the national finals of a Herbalife’s transformation challenge, which looked for people to find their better self through good nutrition, exercise and community support.

Unfortunately for David, who turns 56 at the end of August, it was the death of his partner of over 20 years Renata Price which prompted him to make the dramatic change.

David Ford, from Earl's Court, weighed 23 stone when he promised his dying partner he would lose weight

She lost a battle with cancer and died in February last year. Shortly before her death, David vowed to her that he would dramatically change his lifestyle.

He said: “Winning the title and the £4,000 means so much and I feel I owe it to my late partner Renata.

“I made a promise to her before she passed away that I would get fit and I’ve kept my word.”

Construction site manager David Ford lost six stone and now helps others lose weight

He managed to lose weight through healthy eating habits and regular exercise, such as swimming. The the weight gone and with body fat now at around 20%, he said the transformation has been amazing: “I have so much more energy at work now.

"My job is intense and I’m constantly walking round site, or going up and down stairs and scaffolding.

“Now I don’t get tired like I used to before so I’m able to go swimming or cycling after work most nights. I have lots more energy now and I feel like I’ve turned my life around.”

To help lose the weight David took part in the Herbalife Active Level 10 Challenges, which aims to help several thousand men and women around the UK to lead healthier active lifestyles.

For further information on Level 10 Challenges in the UK visit their website .