A MAN who relied on a wheelchair for nearly five years has now set his sights on the Bradford 10k after he transformed his life and shed 12 stones.

Chris Nelson, 45, of Undercliffe, suffered chronic back pain and had to undergo major spinal surgery.

He was forced to give up his job as a lorry driver, was on 45 tablets a day and only moved between his bed and a wheelchair.

His inability to stay active saw his weight balloon to more than 28st, and he was diagnosed with type two diabetes.

But now his wheelchair is in the shed, he is nearly 12st lighter, and he is determined to walk the Bradford 10k this October.

Although the married father-of-four still suffers from pain on a daily basis, he no longer takes any medication and has managed to beat his diabetes.

Mr Nelson credits his local gym and swimming pool for helping him to turn his life around so drastically.

On a doctor's advice, he started swimming at Eccleshill Pool last year.

He underwent spinal surgery in January this year, but later that month started training at the complex's gym and hasn't looked back.

He said: "Then, doing five minutes in a gym absolutely cream-crackered me. Gradually, with support from the team at Eccleshill gym, I increased that to 10 minutes, then 15 minutes."

Mr Nelson said the gym staff had given him lots of advice and support, and in the past six months alone he has lost almost seven stones.

Yesterday, staff at the centre presented him with a special 'b active' award to mark his incredible achievement.

Mr Nelson said: "I am delighted to be getting this award but I couldn't have done it without the help of everyone at Eccleshill Pool.

"Before I started exercising, my life was my chair or my bed. Pain was part of my life and I was reliant on a wheelchair for the best part of five years.

"I still get chronic pain but thanks to my exercise regime and healthy eating it's now manageable.

"I would urge everyone to try and make time for exercise and I believe that physical activity has played a massive part in literally helping me get back on my feet."

Mr Nelson's next goals are to reach his target weight of 15st, to take part in the Bradford SkyRide cycle ride and to walk the Bradford 10k, despite his ongoing pain and numbness in his right leg.

He said: "I may have to use my sticks sometimes. There is a fear factor that my legs will go from under me from time to time, but it is just a case of motivating myself and getting support from the gym."

Bradford Council's executive member for sport, Councillor Imran Khan, said: "Chris is an inspiration to others. He has shown great determination and courage in order to regain his health and fitness and has shown what an important role exercise can play in recovery."