With our Amazing Losers game on the horizon, we’re spending the days leading up to kick off meeting the lads who’ll be pulling on the shirts in this year’s game at Walsall FC. We travel to Bridgwater to meet Jack Murphy next!
Tell us more about your initial reasons for joining MAN v FAT
My initial reasons for joining MAN v FAT were based around my health and longevity and also my mental health surrounding that. I wanted to be a fitter partner and father, I wanted to feel in control of my lifestyle rather than my lifestyle dictating what I was and wasn’t able to do. Why not do it whilst playing football with a group of guys who share similar objectives and a similar love for football!?
If you could go back in time and talk to the version of you at the start of your weight loss efforts, what would you tell them about the changes you’ve experienced?
You’ll look back at photos and wonder what on earth you were playing at. You’ll do things without even realising and have penny drop moments when thing your shoe laces or getting up off of the floor after playing with your daughter without huffing and puffing and needing to hold on to things. It won’t be easy, it won’t be fun sometimes, but the end result is better sleep, mental health improvement, physical health improvement etc. you’ll wake up feeling like you can get on with your life, not dreading the day. Oh, and that feeling of your lungs being on fire after 30 seconds of football? That will soon go!
Who would you like to thank for their help in your progress?
The whole group of lads in Bridgwater were welcoming from day one, to a man they have cheered everyone’s losses, including my own. My partner Katie has been so patient with me and my calorie counting, my early morning gym sessions etc. Dan, the Bridgwater coach, and Gary who is there to step in whenever needed, all have been amazing. I can’t go on without mentioning the mighty Cadbury Heroes XL team I had the pleasure of playing a few seasons with, and my current Snackburn Rovers team, great lads, all supportive and all pulling in the same direction.
What are your future hopes around your health and wellbeing?
I hope to continue to maintain a healthy BMI, continue to work on my physical health, and I aim to keep it up for as long as I possibly can, for me, my family, my partner and my daughter. That’s what matters to me most, being healthy and present in mind and body for those I love.
How much are you looking forward to the game in May?
I honestly can’t wait, it’ll be the closest I’ll ever get to being a proper footballer on a proper pitch! And to have my family in the stands cheering me on for the game and to celebrate my successes so far will be brilliant. 100% a highlight reel moment for me.
