Ross-on-Wye businessman, Pete Johnson, shed 30lbs in just 10 weeks so that he could take part in a charity abseil.

The 48-year-old signed up to take part in a fundraising abseil at Eastnor Castle in aid of National Star, which transforms the lives of young people with complex disabilities and learning difficulties.

But when he discovered that he wouldn’t fit through the castle hatch he decided to make it a double challenge and lose two stone.

He went on to lose 30lbs, completed the abseil and has so far raised £590 for National Star.

“I wasn’t nervous until I saw the castle turret at which point the hatch was the least of my worries,” said Pete.

“I was pretty terrified but knew I had to get over and down to raise the funds for more amazing projects at National Star in supporting young people with complex disabilities.”

He was one of 40 people who took part in the abseil, which so far has raised more than £5,000, with more expected in the coming weeks.

Pete, who was 20 stone, joined Slimming World. Out has gone the three takeaways a week and the daily cakes and crisps. Now his diet is all about fresh fruit and vegetables. StarBistro, which he manages at National Star, has even added some special salads to the menu so that he can resist the cakes.

The abseil and the weight loss are just two of the things Pete, who is lives in Ross-on-Wye, has planned for the next year.See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here