A NURSE from Botley, who was once obese, lost 20 kilos last year and is now appealing to the public to help him raise money for the charity close to his heart.

Dave Kinloch spent the whole of 2019 taking part in running events, pledging to lose weight after being declared obese.

The advanced nurse practitioner at University Hospital Southampton also took this opportunity to raise funds for the "incredible hospital", but fell short of his target to raise £1,000.

This year, Dave is determined to break his donation target, signing up for the Southampton Half Marathon taking place on April 26, and is appealing to the public to help him reach his goal.

The 37-year-old said: "In 2018 I was unfit and obese. Deciding enough was enough, I challenged myself to lose weight and so I rose to the challenge, losing 20 kilos in just over a year. Most of the time I like running but I won’t lie, it is hard work.

"By fundraising for Southampton Hospital Charity to raise life-changing funds for UHS, I’m helping to enhance the hospital experience for staff, patients and their families. There are some people very dear to me who have been treated here, and others that are going through treatment in different parts of the hospital, and have been well looked after by the staff. I want to make sure that the hospital, and the staff get all the support they need."

In 2019, Dave ran three times a week in all weather and completed a host of Park Runs and Half Marathons, managing to raise £574 for University Hospital Southampton.

Now Dave hopes to complete his personal goal of reaching his £1,000 target with a final push as he gears up for the Half Marathon in April.

To support his challenge, you can donate here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/davekinloch.