A REDDITCH man has fought his way back from the brink of oblivion after tragedy plunged him into a deep depression that sent his weight spiralling to more than 27st 6lb as he gorged on food and drink.

But now - after joining Redditch Boxing Academy, losing 9st 4lb and becoming fitness trainer - Ian Nash has won the new BBC "Power of Sport" award.

Mr Nash, aged 48, of Atcham Close, Winyates, credits boxing with saving his life and says he feels "humbled" at earning his accolade at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Sports Awards.

He became "reclusive and socially awkward", drinking himself into a dangerous existence, after losing his life partner, Amanda, to sudden adult death syndrome six years ago.

The IT consultant, who has his own business, says food became a comfort to him and his diabetes raged out of control as he ballooned from 17.5st.

"I crawled into a bottle and was eating myself into the grave - I just didn't care," said Mr Nash.

His cholesterol and blood pressure were dangerously high, his confidence, self esteem and motivation were at an all time low and he made two attempts to end his life.

His doctor warned him that, if he did not change his habits, he could be dead in two years and recommended he should get active to lose weight.

And, after four friends died from heart disease, deepening his depression and leaving him fearing he would leave the world in the same way, he spotted an advert for circuit training at Redditch Boxing Academy as he went to a pharmacy to pick up a prescription.

He dropped in - and the club welcomed him, encouraging him as he battled to regain fitness and lose weight.

That was three years ago - and soon the weight started to drop off, leaving him now weighing 18st 6lb.

As he slimmed down, his health, confidence and self esteem started to rise and he found a passion for the sport, leading to him becoming a full-time volunteer, coach and director at the academy, where he still dedicates many hours a week to help and support other people in a similar situation.

He has gone on to gain his disability in sports accreditation, level one boxing, safeguarding and first aid certificates and is now well on the way to achieving his Level 2 gym instructor qualification, Level 3 personal training and Level 2 boxing coach awards.

"It's transformed my life," said Mr Nash, who is persevering in efforts to lose another 2st.

"I'm now kick-boxing and running my own classes and one girl who comes to my classes has lost 3st in three months, so I am glad to be supporting others to get fit and lose weight."

Mr Nash received his "Power of Sport" award during a ceremony at Worcester Warriors' Sixways Stadium, organised by the Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire.