MAN v FAT Carlisle member Andrew Trickett is set to take on the challenge of a lifetime later this year, as he heads to the Himalayas to raise money for charity.
Andrew has been a member of our community since the end of 2023 and, having rekindled his love for the sport of football, he’s now going to be taking on a challenge that will see him covering over 20km a day to raise money for Crisis UK.
We caught up with him to find out more as preparations continue for this huge expedition.
Talk to us about your MAN v FAT experience – why did you join in the first place? And how has it helped with your physical and mental wellbeing?
I joined MAN v FAT at a point where I knew something had to change. I’d reached my heaviest weight, and for the first time in my life I found myself struggling to walk the Lake District fells — something that had always been a huge part of who I am.
MAN v FAT felt like a different, more engaging way to try to lose weight, and it offered a structure and community that I knew I needed.
Since joining, I’ve been able to reclaim my love of football. I now play MAN v FAT all year round, and during the winter months I also play five a side with my cricket teammates.
Cricket is my main sport, and that’s where I’ve seen the biggest transformation. I’m fitter, stronger and more confident than I’ve been in a decade, and it’s allowed me to play my best cricket in years.
The mental impact has been just as significant. There’s a real sense of joy and confidence that comes from being able to wear clothes that had been hidden at the back of the cupboard for ten years, or from being able to walk into a high street shop and buy something off the rack again.
I started this journey at 147.2kg; the lightest I’ve reached is 102kg. I’ve had a small increase recently, but my goal is to be under 100kg by the time I take on my challenge in November.
The club has undertaken some incredible fundraising efforts over recent years. Were they part of your inspiration for this challenge and what can you tell us about the community in the club?
I didn’t take part in the club’s 48 mile challenge myself — I had other commitments that weekend — but I supported the fundraising and watched on in absolute amazement.
What the guys achieved was inspiring. Their perseverance, determination and resilience were incredible to witness, and you could definitely say that their example played a part in motivating me to take on my own challenge.
That’s the thing about the MAN v FAT community: it’s supportive, driven and full of people who genuinely want to see each other succeed. Whether it’s weight loss, fitness, football or fundraising, there’s a real sense of togetherness. Being part of that environment makes you want to push yourself further.
Why did you choose Crisis UK and how have your preparations been going so far?
I’m taking on this challenge through my employer, Lloyds Banking Group. Each year the Bank partners with its charity of the year to run a signature challenge — an opportunity for colleagues to push themselves physically and mentally while raising vital funds.
This year, the challenge is a five day trek in the Indian Himalayas. We’ll be trekking around 20km a day at altitudes of roughly 2,500–3,000ft. The Bank fully funds the trip, which means every penny raised goes directly to Crisis UK.
Crisis is a charity that means a lot to me. I’ve lived a very privileged life — I’ve never had to worry about where I or my children will sleep at night. But too many families face that fear every single day. Homelessness, or even the threat of it, has huge consequences. It affects physical health, mental wellbeing, education, social mobility—everything.
Supporting Crisis is a way of helping people rebuild stability, dignity and hope.
In terms of preparation, MAN v FAT has given me the fitness foundation I needed, but I’m also incredibly lucky to have the Lake District right on my doorstep. Away from football, the fells have become my training ground.
In recent weeks I’ve been out walking and ticking off more Wainwrights, including Barrow Fell, Glenridding Dodd, Little Mell Fell and even Skiddaw. Each climb has helped build my stamina, confidence and mental resilience — exactly what I’ll need for long days of trekking at altitude.
The challenge will be tough, but knowing the impact the fundraising will have makes every step worth it.
Want to sponsor Andrew’s efforts?
Andrew heads off to the Himalaya’s later this year – you can sponsor his fundraising by visiting his JustGiving page!
