Teacher Tim Lee has shed an incredible 12 stones in weight with help from one of his former students.

The assistant headteacher at Hartford Church of England High School tipped the scales at 30 stones before he joined Brio Leisure’s gym at Northwich Memorial Court just over a year ago.

Now weighing in at 18 stones, he has nothing but praise for the Brio fitness team that helped him reach his goal – including Joe Glimond, a Brio trainer, who he taught throughout his high school years.

Tim, 34, from Winnington, said: “It was a real case of the master turning student. I think the first time he saw me he actually called me ‘Sir’. Now it should me saying that because he’s teaching me.

“To be fair Joe was one part of a fantastic team at Brio who have literally changed my life.”

Married to Louise and with two children aged 13 and 16, Tim described himself as always being ‘big’ as a teenager. At six feet two inches tall he enjoyed basketball but when he went to university his weight mushroomed.

Two years ago he had a health scare and after receiving some friendly advice from a work colleague he decided the time for change had arrived.

Tim added: “I had a genuine fear of gyms. Too fat to go and not wanting to get stared and sniggered at. That first brave walk through the door was the best decision I have made concerning my health and lifestyle.

“The Brio Leisure instructors were friendly and welcoming. There were people of all ages, sizes and abilities. Instantly my fear was gone - the environment was perfect and I don’t think anyone else could have made me feel as comfortable.”

Tim’s transformation is also helping him to live life to the full.

“My classroom is on the second floor. It’s nice to run up the stairs and not have to wait five minutes before getting my breath back.”

Other benefits have included losing his fear of hot summer days and, as he jokingly points out, rediscovering he has a jawline.

“My major problem before was the amount and time of day I was eating. I was skipping breakfast, having a large evening meal and snacking. I was actually a bit of a secret eater. I would eat without actually thinking about it.”

Wife Louise, who also teaches at Hartford, made the brave move to join Brio Leisure alongside Tim. She’s also lost weight and halved her dress size.

She joked: “Exercise was never for me. In fact if you had asked any of our friends who would be the people you’d never see in a gym they would say Louise and Tim.

“I decided I would join the exercise classes and soon found I loved them. They are sociable and great fun. I’ve gone from a size 20 to a size 10-12. I remember turning up in a baggy t-shirt and baggy pants – now I have more gym wear than regular clothes.”

Tim shed his first five stones through regular cardio exercises under the watchful eye of Brio instructors. When his weight loss began to level out they adjusted Tim’s training routine and the weight continued to fall.

He said: “Now I am starting to feel and see the real benefits of my weight loss and my motivation is possibly higher than when I began my journey. Setting personal targets is a great motivation. The encouragement I have received from family, friends, colleagues and other members of the gym is also a massive boost.

“All the instructors have been fantastic and regardless of how busy they are, they are always there with advice and an encouraging smile.”

While he admits he’s ‘massively more confident and happy’ Tim also knows he has daily obstacles to conquer.

“Portion size is still something I deem as my weakness. There is still the 30 stone man inside who doesn’t seem to have an on-off button when it comes to appetite and the word ‘buffet’ still commands my attention.”

He maintains self-control by allowing himself one day a week to ‘treat’ himself to his favourite foods.

“It’s important to be realistic and not expect changes over night. Six days a week I eat exceptionally healthy meals. One day a week I eat whatever I like, but I have noticed that even this treat day is becoming more healthy as I’m more conscious of ‘unnecessary’ calories.”

He’s also discovered what exercise and eating programmes work for him.

“It was the gym that highlighted the benefits of a varied regime. Joe encouraged me to try specific pieces of exercise equipment and once I progressed in these then he wrote me a weight management programme. I feel I have learnt so much that will help me ensure this lifestyle change is forever, as I know more about how the body works and responds to exercise.