OVERWEIGHT Steve Darby has shed stones and his diabetes after making a vow to get himself more healthy.

The 54-year-old set himself a target to lose five stone and to take part in a bike ride from Brighton to Paris for charity.

When he got on a bike in January - for the first time in 35 years – he weighed 22 stone and was being treated for type 2 diabetes, which he developed in 2011.

However Mr Darby, known as Slimboy Fat by his friends, was determined to stick with his plan, which he called Fatboy Slimming.

Since then he has lost more than four stone and found himself within touching distance of the £5,000 he has pledged to raise for Albion in the Community (AITC).

He set off on the charity’s Brighton to Paris bike ride yesterday morning (Fri).

Mr Darby’s efforts have been supported by his namesake Fatboy Slim and he has also had sponsorship and support from Brighton and Hove City Cabs.

An unexpected side effect of Mr Darby’s weight loss is that he no longer has type 2 diabetes, a condition closely linked to weight.

He now hopes he can be an inspiration to others diagnosed with the illness at a similar age.

Mr Darby, of Berriedale Avenue, Hove, said: “ You read a lot about people getting type 2 diabetes but you don’t often hear about how you can escape it.

“I have managed it – others can as well.”

His weight loss has been hard work – he now cycles around 20 miles every day - but it has had its rewards.

Mr Darby said: “I feel much better in myself. I feel sharper and my family have noticed a difference in me. I’ve even stopped snoring when I fall asleep on the sofa in the evenings.”

While the cycling has helped – Mr Darby estimates he burns more than 2,000 calories every day using pedal power - he has also adapted his diet to help with the weight loss and fight against diabetes.

AITC is the official charity of Brighton and Hove Albion.

To sponsor Mr Darby, visit www.justgiving.com/Steve-Darby2.