A PLYMOUTH dad is training for three triathlons after a health scare prompted him to lose weight.

Paul Vickers was 16.5 stone when he went to his GP with breathing difficulties last summer where his doctor told him he was "not asthmatic, just fat".

The diagnosis shocked Paul into completely changing his lifestyle, taking up regular exercise and healthy eating.

After losing three and a half stone, he has reached his target weight and is gearing up to take part in the Tamar Lake Triathlon Challenge in April.

The father of three is clocking up 25 miles running, 70 miles cycling and two miles swimming every week – all of which he is donating to loveLIFE.

He aims to complete three triathlons this year and raise £1,000 for the Shekinah Mission, where he works as a construction manager.

The 39-year-old, of Lipson, said of his doctor's frank diagnosis: "I love honesty and honesty is what I got. Right, I decided, I'll show you."

"Adopting a healthier lifestyle has totally changed my way of life and made me quite a different person. I feel a lot happier and my get up and go is back.

With the backing of local bike company Certini, which donated £150 worth of cycling accessories and provided a bike to Paul through the cycle-to-work scheme, he also has plans to compete in at least two more triathlons during the year as well as a half Iron Man event in 2013.

He said: "I'm so excited about the triathlon and am looking forward to the whole experience – even though I suspect swimming in an open lake will be a lot different from the pool."

Anyone interested in sponsoring Paul can do so at www.shekinahmission.co.uk or e-mail paul.vickers@shekinahmission.co.uk or visit www.charitygiving.co.uk/paulvickers