DEAN Geal, a 47 year old from Farnham, will be taking on the 10-mile Simplyhealth Great South Run to raise money for local charity, Step by Step.

The Great South Run, on Sunday, October 22, in Portsmouth, is just one of many events that Dean’s friends and family are challenging him to complete as he tries to lose weight.

Motivated into action by the news of medical complications, Dean decided that the best way to shed the pounds would be to pile the pressure on.

Dean said: “A few of my friends suggested a sponsored diet to raise funds for charity, but I knew just dieting and fundraising wouldn’t motivate me enough.

“I started to explore challenges I could do every month to help keep me on track, because I knew if I didn’t lose weight and increase my fitness levels, I wouldn’t be able to realistically completely them.”

Dean has shared his weight loss goals and progress among friends, family and colleagues, who have suggested challenges for him.

However, they will also pick a penalty for him if he doesn’t lose weight or finish an event.

He said: “My partner asked what I would do if I didn’t complete them, so I came up with the idea of forfeits.

“One month, I had to get in an ice bath, which I definitely don’t want to be doing again!”

He added: “Having their support and involvement has helped me a lot; everyone has been very encouraging from the start.

“My next big running event will be the Simplyhealth Great South Run, as I am trying to achieve under two hours and 20 minutes.”

In addition to the run this October, Dean will be taking on half marathons, 10k swims and the National Three Peaks Challenge, all in aid of Step by Step.

The charity works alongside young people who are facing difficulties in their lives, providing over 1,500 of them with accommodation, personal development opportunities and specialist support services.

It is also charity which Dean has a personal connection to as one of their members of staff.

He said: “I work for Step by Step as a talent coach, helping them explore their aspirations, talents, skills and hobbies.

“My fundraising target is £3,000, which will go towards continuing the activities and events for the young people in our services.”

It is important for Step by Step to be supported by fundraising like Dean’s, as these team-building sessions and away days would not be possible without additional donations.

With the pressure to reach his fundraising goal, as well as trying to avoid any more forfeits, Dean’s weight loss journey has been a positive one.

He said: “I’ve started to really enjoy running.

“There is still a way to go, but my health has greatly improved and I have lost around three stone since January.”

Support Dean’s fundraising for Step by Step on his charity page online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Dean-Geal2.

Entries for the Simplyhealth Great South Run are still open. Enter at: www.greatrun.org/great-south-run.