WHEN ticket collector Sam Johnson met a stranger at the train station, he didn't know quite how much his life would change for the better.

Sam, who weighs 27 stone, had spent much of last year struggling with stomach pains and circulation problems which left his feet purple.

Often working long shifts finishing at midnight, the 34-year-old turned to unhealthy convenience foods after his battle with depression took over.

"I was at a stage where I'd given up on myself," he said.

But that was all about to stop when personal trainer Kyle Mangan walked up to him and asked if he could take him on a fitness journey for an online documentary series, Losing 10 Stone.

The pair struck up a bond within seconds, sharing their own personal experiences of mental health problems.

Kyle told the Telegraph & Argus: "This isn’t just about losing 10 stone. I believe it is much bigger than that. We will be discussing metal health and how it has affected both of our lives. My goal is to inspire other people that might be in Sam's position who feels helpless and lost and give something to inspire them.

"One of my good friends committed suicide just before Christmas and my mental health was on decline.

"This genuinely means a lot to me to get the message out there and help people that are struggling with mental health problems as well as physical wellbeing.

"There is a way out. You just need a little bit of motivation."

It isn't the first time Kyle has helped someone over 20 stone lost weight.

As a former McDonald's worker, he noticed how one customer came into the fast food venue every day for lunch.

Offering advice as a gym-goer, Kyle sat down with the man, who spent £1,000 a month on takeaways, and helped him make small changes.

And this is no different. The inspiring duo has started off with uphill walks and strength building exercises at the gym.

Sam even climbed to the top of a hill in Skipton which he hadn't explored since he was a child.

In the next episode Kyle will be taking Sam round the supermarket to discuss healthy alternatives and easy meals to cook up after a late shift.

It can be as simple as switching to fruit for snacking or making your own sauces from scratch.

Sam said: "I've found it easier eating than looking at the bigger problem.

"It's something I've had to do but I've been to frightened to take a step forward and go to the gym.

"Last year I was constantly feeling tired all the time. I've noticed I'm not feeling as tired. I was getting quite run down.

"Last year I can honestly say I can only remember eating fruit one time.

"I feel happier because I'm doing something more than just standing on the barriers, going home, eating whatever I wanted and just stuck in a rut. You're just doing the same thing day in day out.

"I feel better inside myself.

"You've got someone to talk to as well. It's a lot easier if you've got someone to talk to. I don't know if I'd be motivated enough to push myself to do it.

"I've managed to stay away from takeaways."

You can watch the episodes on the Youtube channel, Kyle Mangan, and Instagram TV via Kyle's social media, @kylemangancoaching