Three marathons, Great North Run and a skydive – 'at least it keeps me out of my wife's hair!'

A SUCCESSFUL Southport business owner who plans to run three of the world’s top marathons this year has revealed how losing over 10 stone has given him the wings to take on his ambitious challenge.

- BY ANDREW BROWN

Gareth Johnson is one of the owners of Just Wings, which is famous for its freshly prepared authentic buffalo style wings and American catering.

The determined dad-of-two has already run the London Marathon and plans to follow this with the Berlin Marathon on September 21 and the New York Marathon on November 2.

His two children, Hunter, aged three, and Scarlett, aged 11, will be cheering him on every step of the way.

Not content with that, Gareth is getting ready to complete his first ever Great North Run on September 7.

And he’s also planning to jump out of an aircraft at 11,000ft in a charity skydive for Queenscourt Hospice on June 22.

Gareth raised £20,000 for the hospice, which cares for patients in Southport, Formby and West Lancashire, in 2024.

The 42-year-old has already completed his first target this year, with a gruelling challenge in the US.

Gareth said: “This year I'm really going for it and I’m really grateful to local people and businesses for their amazing support.

“Three years ago, inspired me to lose weight and to get fit.

“I have lost nearly 10 stone through dieting, making better eating choices, doing more running and getting active.

“I decided to lose weight after my son was born. I feel so much better - and very different.