Amazing Loser: Mike Wallbank

Our latest MAN v FAT Amazing Loser, Mike Wallbank, was backed all the way by his partner and it’s had astounding results.

Having joined in September 2021, Mike had managed to lose over 35% of his body weight in his first year on the programme.

He tell us all about it!

What was it that made you join MAN v FAT Football?
I originally signed up after the first COVID lockdown as I saw advertising at a Wigan Athletic home game (I’m a season ticket holder, I go to every home game and I make some away trips). Nothing came of me originally signing up, as I bottled attending due to nerves and not having the proper drive to do it.

After the second lockdown I received a phone call from the Bolton coach Roman and he told me that they were starting 2 new teams for the second season and I finally took the plunge. Knowing that all the other lads on my team would be new too helped me with my confidence.

What do you most enjoy about MAN v FAT Football?
I love the football (I’ve never played before, just watched and I’ve always wanted to try it out), I love what it has done to my body and lifestyle (losing the weight has given me so much confidence in my appearance and it’s blown me away how healthy and fit I’ve become).

I love the friends I’ve made (the lads in the league are great, even if they are all Bolton fans) and I love the comradery of the league (we’ve done some brilliant things including Charity games, testimonials and raising money for good causes).

What has been the secret to your successful weight loss so far?
The support from my brilliant partner has helped massively. She joined in with my diet and food tracking, supported me at games and has been right behind me. She has always been in good shape physically but her fitness has improved with mine.

I also like to think of myself as quite a determined person and I set myself a challenge of becoming fit enough to run a half marathon which I achieved earlier this year when I did the Manchester Great North Run in 1 hour 42 minutes.

Would you encourage other men from the area to get involved in playing MAN v FAT Football. If yes, why?
Absolutely. It has changed my life completely. I’ve become a more confident, sociable person with some really healthy habits which I’m beyond determined to maintain permanently. I’ve made some great friends and I like to think that I’ve discovered I’m pretty handy at the football side of matters.

It’s a game changer of an idea and I’m beyond grateful to my first coach Roman for giving me the call and getting me started.

How else has MAN v FAT helped you?
The main improvement has been my happiness and confidence. I look the best I ever have, I can buy clothes that I wouldn’t have ever dreamed of buying and I can play sports with my friends without running out of steam and embarrassing myself.

I’ve loved being part of the teams I’ve played with and I truly feel valued and appreciated. Life is so good right now because of MAN v FAT.

You can join Mike and the lads at Bolton, by signing up here!

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