THREE years after a Trowbridge dad lost 21 stone to help him look after his two disabled sons, he has kept the weight off by embracing his new healthy lifestyle, and has even found love.

Sergio Polledri, 55, decided to make the drastic life change almost six years ago after a visit to the doctors, when he weighed more than 34 stone and was told he was risking not living to see his sons grow up.

He decided to join Weight Watchers so he could spend quality time with sons Luke, 15 and Elliot, 14, .

Both boys suffer with disabilities, including autism and cerebral palsy. He had given up work to care for them after his marriage broke down.

Now weighing a mere 12 stone, Mr Polledri is enjoying life and have even found love again.

He said: “I didn’t have time to think about finding new romance in my life.

“With Luke and Elliot to look after, life was pretty busy. However, I bumped into Michelle in a café.

“Two years later, we went to The Farmhouse to celebrate our anniversary and Luke, with a bit of prompting from me, asked ‘will you marry my Dad?’.

“She said yes and we started to plan the wedding of our dreams.

“I am so lucky to be able to watch my boys grow up and to live my life to the full with Michelle by my side.

“Losing weight saved my life but it’s not about what you lose, it’s all about what you gain and for me, that’s everything!”

Weight Watchers workshop leader, Nicky Gregory said: “It was an absolute joy to support Sergio during his weight loss journey.

“He is such an inspiration to all the other members and has embraced his new lifestyle. Nothing gets Sergio down.”