Weighing a huge 70st, Paul Mason once claimed the title of the world’s fattest man. Even when he lost 43st, with a gastric bypass, he never expected to fall in love.
But last year it seemed Paul had finally found happiness after meeting American Rebecca Mountain, 40, and even got engaged.
Yet in a dramatic twist, their plans were dashed, as Paul has a past conviction for fraud – banning him from entering the US, where they want to settle.
Paul, 53, from Ipswich – who now weighs 27st – says: “I’m devastated my wedding is on hold.
“I stole £1,400 while I was working for Royal Mail and served six months. I regret it to this day, but I’ve done my time - I don’t see why the rest of my life should be ruined.”
Rebecca, a manufacturing boss, adds: “Paul and I had planned an outdoor wedding with a barn dance reception. I’m hoping he will be able to move here soon.”
Paul was convicted of five counts of fraud in 1989.
He says “I was going through a bad relationship and felt really low. In a moment of madness I stole cash from business accounts, but got caught. Prison was awful."
When 6ft4 Paul was released from jail, his weight spiralled.
He explains: “I left jail feeling low and food became my crutch. I’d gorge on fish and chips and kebabs and thought I'd never find anyone, I had no self esteem."
By his 40s, he was 70 st and bedridden and needed full time care.
But in 2010, Paul’s life changed when he had a gastric bypass on the NHS. He lost 43stone over the next three years, and met Rebecca last summer.
She got in touch with Paul on Facebook after seeing a documentary he’d filmed in America and, after a whirlwind romance, she proposed in January this year.
Rebecca says: “It made sense for him to move to the US, as my business is there. I knew about the fraud but it didn't bother me, he was young and foolish.”
'I’m devastated the wedding is on hold'
But last month their plans fell apart, when flew home to apply for a permanent residency visa and was told he couldn’t return to America.
He says: “The government said I was a security threat. When I broke the news to Rebecca, we both cried.
“We talk twice a day and I send her love letters and jewellery, but it isn’t easy.”
Now the couple are appealing the decision.
Paul adds: “Rebecca can’t move to the UK, so we’re not giving up. I was so close to my dreams coming true, and now they’ve been shattered.”