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The photograph was taken in June this year, when I first saw this photograph I was shocked and then realised that I had gained a large amount of weight, looked unhealthy, had become unfit and ultimately, I realised that I was not leading a healthy lifestyle. It is not that this had suddenly happened over night… a hectic work life leading to eating too much, drinking too much and having no regular exercise had over a period of 6 to 7 years resulted in me gaining over 2 ˝ stones.
I was, 13 stone, 3 pound and not really sure how it had happened!
This was a complete shock to me as in my teenage years and twenties I had been exceptionally fit enjoying football, cricket, walking and cycling as a regular part of my life.
In 1999 I also became a Partner within the company. Not only did this create a heavy increase in my work load and stress levels, but it also increased the number of business lunches, dinners and general social events I had to attend. The increased pressures on my time resulted in all of my sporting activities taking a “back seat” in my life and I stopped taking regular exercise. I gave no health considerations to my diet and my consumption of alcohol increased dramatically. My lifestyle was fuelling this process.
I have many friends who work in the medical profession and I took the opportunity to discuss my weight and general health with them. I am 5 feet, 6 inches tall and when we spoke they pointed out that I had reached a score of nearly 30 on the Body Mass Index. (31.2 is medically when you become obese).
I was seriously overweight! Fortunately the photograph and my friends made me realise that I needed to break the habits I had allowed myself to form.
In August a friend of mine, Adrian Baugh challenged me to join him on an organised charity bicycle ride form Lands End to John O’Groats, almost a 1000 miles in 12 days, somewhat reluctantly I agreed.
I have chosen to raise funds and awareness for the National Obesity Forum, a charity with an aim to raise awareness of the health and social issues obesity can cause. The charity also aims to provide guidance and education in how these issues can be addressed.
Please give generously to a very important charity in today’s society.
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