Since then, the Gunnedah man has shed 30kg, kicked his depressive eating habits and developed a passion for walking and running.

To help support and nurture Brandon’s love for fitness, Gunnedah Meals on Wheels will be hosting a fundraising dinner and auction to help him travel and take part in running events across the country, including The Alpine Mount Kosiousko 25km trail in March and the Barrett drive run in Alice Springs in April.

Brendan’s father and training partner Mick praised his son’s dedication to fitness.

“He’s a special needs fellow and a champion in our eyes,” Mr Edmunds said. 

“We were both struggling with our weight and high blood pressure and together we have turned it around, and now it doesn’t matter if we are up for a run at 5am, Brandon just loves it.

“In fact it’s the days when we don’t go that he tends to act up.”

Mr Edmunds said the upcoming runs were “goals” for himself and Brandon to reach for.

“Brandon just enjoys running and the social side of it when we run in Tamworth,” he said.

“The more we do it the further and further we go and the fitter and fitter we get and so these runs are a way for us to challenge ourselves.

“We are only picking iconic and different runs to have a go at and this Mount Kosiousko 25km run is going to be a challenge for us as the conditions will be quiet different than what we’re used to.”

Gunnedah Meals on Wheels’ Colleen Fuller encouraged the Gunnedah community to get behind the event.

“Brandon is such a terrific young man who has worked so hard at his transformation,” Mrs Fuller said.

“I think it would be great if we as a community can get behind this terrific event and help a truly worthy young man pursue his passion.”

The Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club will play host to the fundraising dinner and event on Saturday, March 3, with tickets costing $25.

“There are still plenty of tickets left and they include a two course meal,” Mrs Fuller said.

“It would be so great to see as many people there as possible and really come together as a community to celebrate Brandon and his achievements so far.”

Mr Edmonds said the event will have a “massive impact” for his family.

“We are a single-income family so this will be so helpful for us,” Mr Edmunds said.

“There is still an opportunity for latecomers to come along on Saturday night and celebrate the achievements of this great young bloke.

“Overall that means more to us than anything, the chance for Brandon to soak up the attention from people he knows well and to celebrate his weight loss efforts so far.”

Tickets to the event are available at the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club office.