A REDNAL man who scored big after netting his 13 stone weight goal has reached the semi-finals of a national slimming competition and met an ex-England international footballer.
Alan Gadd was one of just 38 men to win a place at the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2017 competition after shedding the stones.
It was there he was congratulated by the former Chelsea, Manchester City and England footballer Wayne Bridge.
The 50-year-old, who slimmed from 25st 2lbs to 12st at the Rubery Slimming World group, believes it can be hard for men to admit that they need help to lose weight, and that it is especially difficult for them to walk through the doors of a slimming club for the first time.
He said: “It took quite a lot for me to admit that I had a weight problem to begin with, so actually deciding to do something about it and join my local Slimming World group was another big step.
“Thankfully I came to the conclusion that my health and happiness was the most important thing and plucked up the courage to go along that first time.
“My only regret now is that I didn’t join Slimming World sooner.”
Wayne, who has now hung up his football boots and appeared on I’m a Celebrity, Get me Out of Here!, was blown away by the achievements of the men he met at the competition.
He said: “As a footballer, health and fitness has formed a huge part of my life, so I know how much effort and dedication it can take to stay fit and healthy, both mentally and physically.
“I really have to take my hat off to Alan for recognising that he had a problem and then having the courage to do something about it.”
Paula Hooper, who runs the Rubery group that Alan attends, said there were now 60,000 men attending Slimming World groups and she hoped Alan’s story could inspire other men in the area who would like to lose weight to take that step and join a group.
For more on the Rubery Slimming World group which is based at The Royal British Legion Club, New Road, call Paula on 07900 997303.
