Why did you join MAN v FAT in the first place?
I originally joined MAN v FAT because I wanted to play football with guys who were in a similar position to me. I was already playing regular 6-a-side football, but I knew I wasn’t anywhere near as fit as I wanted to be so I thought playing alongside people with similar goals and experiences would be a better fit for me.
The funny thing was the standard of football was actually really good so I quickly realised it wasn’t going to be as easy as I’d imagined, but I was almost instantly hooked on the community side of MAN v FAT.
What have been the best and hardest bits of your efforts to get to BMI Boss status?
The hardest part of my journey has definitely been managing the yo-yoing. For the first couple of years with MAN v FAT I’d lose a few kg, put them back on and repeat the cycle. At one point I got closer to a healthy BMI than I ever had before then unfortunately my sister passed away. Looking back I think I unconsciously turned to food and ended up putting nearly all of the weight I’d lost back on.
I continued yo-yoing until I eventually just had enough. I knew I was capable of losing the weight but I needed to break that cycle and make a lasting change. I knuckled down, stayed consistent and focused on the bigger picture.
What are the biggest benefits you’re now feeling from being at a healthy weight?
The biggest benefit has probably been what I’m now able to do physically. I’ve started running a lot, something I never would have imagined myself doing a few years ago and I’ve actually got to a point where I’m pretty happy with my times. I took nearly 45 minutes off my Great North Run time between 2025 and this year, which is something I’m incredibly proud of.
I’ve also dropped clothes sizes and it’s a great feeling being able to put clothes on and actually feel good in them. But more importantly I have so much more energy day to day. I notice it particularly with my kids. I can be more active, more involved and have the energy to actually enjoy doing things with them.
How important has the MAN v FAT community been in getting you to this stage – and keeping you there?
he MAN v FAT community at Preston is great. Whenever someone reaches a milestone at the club, whether it’s big or small everyone is genuinely happy for them and supportive.
For me, that support has been a big part of getting to this stage and staying on track. There have been plenty of ups and downs but being around people who understand what you’re going through makes it much easier to keep going. It’s become more than just turning up to play football. You get to know people, celebrate their progress and have a laugh along the way which is a big reason I’ve stuck with it.
