You may have heard a lot in the last year about local man Darren 'Dibsy' McClintock…

A year ago, Dibsy weighed over 40 stone. However, with sheer hard work and determination, and the help of award-winning personal trainer Mike Hind, Dibsy has gone on to lose an amazing 20 stone. He has achieved this, whilst also building up a community of support and fundraising for local charities, including Teesside Hospice.

We caught up with Dibsy to chat about his fundraising, and the care his family have seen first-hand from Teesside Hospice.

“My Dad, Brian McClintock and my uncle, Ray Wilkes, were both cared for at Teesside Hospice.

My Dad was cared for in 2009, after being diagnosed with stomach cancer. Even though it was 10 years ago, I still remember what it was like going to the hospice to visit my dad. The care he received was unbelievable, it meant the world to us knowing that he was being looked after so well.

As a family we were made to feel so welcome at the hospice. We could come and go as we pleased, there were no rules, and the nurses did everything they could to help us stay together as a family.

It was my Dad’s wish to be able to die at home. After a few weeks of help with pain control, he was able to leave the hospice. He died on Father’s Day in 2009. As a family, we were so grateful the hospice had helped my Dad to come home so we could spend these final moments together.

Moving on 10 years, I’m on a personal weight loss journey. Mike has given me the chance to change my life, and I’ve had lots of opportunities to take part in things I never thought I would be able to. So I thought why not support local charities that I’m passionate about while I’m doing it?

I wanted to support the hospice that’s close to mine and my family’s heart, so in 2018 I did the Boxing Day Dip. It wasn’t planned. My brother mentioned it on Christmas Day, and so I thought why not, we could raise some money at the same time. It was something I’d always wanted to do, but never had the courage. About 25 of us ended up doing it, it was amazing! I’m definitely doing it again this year. I’d love for as many people as possible to join ‘Team Mike & Dibsy’ and take on the challenge, you’ll love it.

Earlier this year, another great opportunity came up and I was asked to take part in a charity boxing match, as part of a fundraising night called Punching4Pounds. Boxing is such an elite sport and it’s something I’d always wanted to do. I’d been a spectator at the event the previous year and thought I would never have the confidence to do that. But it was so brilliant to be involved.

I stepped in the ring in my Dad’s memory, I hope I did him proud. I’m always trying to be a better version of myself. I won the charity boxing match and smashed my target of raising £1000 for Teesside Hospice.

Through the Boxing Day Dip and Boxing Match I’ve raised over £2,300 for Teesside Hospice. It’s my way of saying thank you for the care my dad was shown.”

Thank you Dibsy, we truly appreciate your support.

 If you would like to join Team Mike and Dibsy at this year’s Boxing Day Dip please visit   www.teessidehospice.org/events/boxing-day-dip-2019/detail or call 01642 811145 for more information.

  


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