A MAN has completed a three-month charity challenge to walk a million steps – one month early.

Diabetes UK has been challenging people to cover at least 10,000 steps a day between July 1 and September 30 and raise sponsorship for every stride. 

Accountant and bookkeeper Paul Sweet, 48, decided to take up the One Million Step Challenge to try to keep his type 2 diabetes in check.

Paul, who goes by the nickname ‘Arfer’, has had type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years but never took it seriously until last year when his doctor told him he would have to take insulin.

The father-of-two from Lostwithiel immediately gave up alcohol, began to eat more healthily and started walking.

He took on the One Million Step Challenge in 2016 to give himself something to aim for and was delighted when his blood glucose levels started to fall, his waist shrank from a 44in to a 36in and he was able to come off his blood pressure tablets.

As a result, Paul tackled Diabetes UK’s walking challenge for a second year.

Paul said: ‘The thought of getting out there adding more steps each day and aiming for that one million target really spurred on a numbers nerd like me!

‘I’ve also really come to appreciate where I live. There are some wonderful walks to be had in Cornwall.

‘And, best of all, doing the One Million Step Challenge has helped turn me into a much healthier person. I’ve lost four-and-a-half stone so far. In fact, the other day my boss didn’t recognise me walking down the street!’

To sponsor Paul Sweet, visit www.just giving.com/fundraising/paul-sweet5