A FATHER is training for the London Marathon after ditching his 30-a-day smoking habit and junk food binges.

Scott Wheeler-Osman, 47, turned his life around four years ago when his health hit rock-bottom.

The senior project manager, who lives in Sutton Courtenay, said: “I didn’t really have any interest in looking after myself.

“I had an attitude of being indestructible. I thought I needed to do something, otherwise I’ll become a statistic.

“I started smoking when I was 16 and tried to give up before but failed dismally.”

This time his willpower stuck out, but he turned to food to stave off his nicotine cravings.

He said: “It was very difficult and it took a lot of willpower, but I managed it. But as a by-product I put on an awful lot of weight, which ballooned.

“I needed to do something. I don’t know what my BMI was but it was probably critical.”

His motivation later turned up in his e-mail inbox – an advert for the National Lottery’s five-kilometre run around the Olympic Park.

He said: “Through a moment of madness I applied for it.

“I downloaded a plan off the website. You go out on the first day switching between running for two minutes then walking for three minutes, and build it from there.

“The first time I came back a complete state, but from that moment I was absolutely bitten by the running bug.”

Exercise and a diet overhaul helped him shed more than three stone. He now runs three times a week and eats a much more balanced diet, indulging his sweet tooth less frequently.

He hauls himself out of bed at 6am, four times a week, to smash the gym at the Vale of White Horse Leisure Centre. Since his transformation from a couch potato, Mr Wheeler-Osman has completed three half marathons – including the Oxford Half Marathon last year – and more than 80 five-kilometre Parkruns around Abingdon’s Rye Meadow. Now he faces his next landmark challenge.

He said: “I have one more big goal which is to run a marathon before I turn 50. I’ve been training lots. I’m doing lots of work in the gym and an awful lot of core work and strength work.

“I’m doing three runs a week and I want to be able to run at least 20 miles before the marathon.”

His wife Hazel Austin and five children are a source of endless support, especially his 22-year-old daughter Brooke Wheeler-Osman.

He said: “My wife is extremely supportive, she certainly comes to all the events with me which last a couple of hours. Brooke has gone that extra mile.”

Mr Wheeler-Osman will run the 26.2-mile race, which takes place on April 24, in aid of Helen & Douglas House.

His Olympic Park run raised £600 for the Oxfordshire charity, which provides respite care for children and young adults, but this time he hopes to get £1000.

He said: “They do some superb work as a hospice, especially for young people. They are really special.”

* To donate to Mr Osman-Wheeler, visit justgiving.com/scott-wheeler-osman.