AN OVERWEIGHT father of two has transformed into a muscle-bound body builder in only six months after being inspired to get fit for charity.

Colin Reed, 42, from Woodingdean, Brighton, had last competed in a body building competition when he was 21 and had since grown to a portly 18 stone.

But after being inspired by a close friend’s son, who has the muscle-wasting condition muscular dystrophy (MD), he decided to raise money by hitting the gym and shedding the pounds –lots of them.

Six months later the ripped builder impressed judges at a body building competition and has raised £1,405 for MD charity Action Duchenne.

He said: “It was a lot of hard work, especially after not being in the gym for 15 years.

“I was 18 stone, used to drink every day, smoke.

“I thought what better way to let people know I’m working hard to fundraise than by getting back on stage at a body building competition.”

On his quest for physical perfection, Colin hit the gym for three times a day, seven days a week.

While he ate turkey, broccoli, fish and spinach every two to three hours throughout the day.

He was supported by Cheetahs Gym in Hove, which gave him a free gym membership, and Physique Training and Nutrition, which gave him free diet plans.

Colin lost four stone and transformed his body for the UK Bodybuilding Fitness Fitness Federation South Coast qualifier in Portsmouth.

He said: “I never expected to win a competition of that calibre.

“But I thought if I’m prepared to stand up against top athletes it would be a better way to raise money.”

His mother Barbara Reed said: “I’m extremely proud of him. It’s been hard work.”

The transformation has been so extreme he said firends have failed to recognise him. 

Colin said: “There have been people I have not seen for two or three months who walked past me.”

Among the most surprised were his 21-year-old daughter Hannah and little son Albie, three.

He added: “My little boy can’t understand why I won’ t eat crisps he has offered to share with me.

“That’s hows dedicated I was.”

There is still time to donate – you can visit Colin’s Just Giving page: justgiving.com/fundraising/Strongmenforstrongboys