Takeaway Worker Loses 11 Stone To Pursue His Royal Navy Dreams

A takeaway worker quit his job and lost an impressive 11 stone in just 18 months so he could begin his dream career in the Royal Navy.

Danny Hague enrolled on a hardcore 13-week course which set him on his way to losing almost half his bodyweight, dropping from 26-and-a-half stone to just 15st.

Super-fit engineer Danny, from Ashford, Kent, always wanted to follow in his family members' footsteps and serve in the Armed Forces, but he was too obese.

Danny, who can now run 31 miles with a weighted bag, said: “It’s been a long but necessary journey, looking back now, I can’t believe that was me.”

“I used to do nothing around the house.

"I used to sit, eat, play games and work at a Chinese takeaway in the evenings.

"It was pretty depressing."

The runner said that that his mental and physical well-being were boosted immeasurably after completing the fitness program run by a Kent fitness firm.

Ashford-based company Concept Training helps 16-24-year-olds hoping to join the armed forces or police improve their fitness with a course dubbed IMPACT.

The course involves exercise circuits and high intensity interval training - including sprints, hydraulic push pulls, rope workouts and squats.

Danny added: "I started the course and was surprised with how well I adapted, it’s very full-on - I’ve learned a whole new lifestyle.

“Physically, walking up the stairs used to tire me out, now I can jog for seven hours - I feel a lot better within myself.”

Following his success on the course, Danny was awarded the learner progression certificate and trophy at the Skills UK awards.

He is currently undergoing an initial ten-week training exercise with the Royal Navy at HMS Rayleigh and is set to be posted to Portsmouth for 18 months.

Danny said: “Joining the Navy was always in the back of my mind as a secondary thing because I knew I couldn’t do it.

“I was too overweight and too lazy but after completing this programme, they accepted me and I’m extremely excited to go.

“I’ll be proud to serve my country and I’ll see what I can achieve in my dream job.”

Chris Pound, director of Concept Training, described Danny's dedication as “phenomenal”.

He said: “When we first met Danny, he was shy, but his transformation has been fantastic.

"Now he is a leader, helping other people.

"We think he is amazing."