A father-of-five who tipped the scales at 22 stone has turned his life around after completely overhauling his diet and lifestyle. Paul Barraclough had a big appetite and could easily finish off four bacon sandwiches for breakfast, followed by pie and chips for dinner and a pack of biscuits after.
He was taking 20 tablets a day for several health reasons, and his mental health was also being affected. But after his beloved mum suddenly died Paul knew he had to do something about his weight.
The 56-year-old was depressed and didn't want to leave the house or talk to anyone because he 'felt ugly'. When Paul's beloved mother died one week after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, he realised he had to change his ways.
Paul describes the loss as a 'big wrench'. “We were all very close and she was the kingpin of the family who held us all together. It really hit home and I thought, ‘I’ve got my children and my wife, if I carry on the way I am, I’m not going to be here much longer,'" he told the Manchester Evening News.
Even as a child Paul - who is 5ft 4 inches tall - struggled with his weight. At his biggest of 22 stone, he had a 54in chest, a 48in waist.
He got out of breath doing simple everyday tasks, like going to the shop of walking up the stairs. Now, following eight years of hard work, he has lost 10 stone and turned his life around. He now takes three tablets a day and feels the healthiest he had ever felt.
Paul said: “Starting to eat healthily was just a life changing experience for me. Previously I could eat four bacon sandwiches easily for breakfast, for dinner I would eat pie and chips and a full packet of biscuits with a cup of coffee. It was easily done so the calories were piling on.
“I didn’t want to go out because my confidence level was zero. I didn’t want to speak to people because I basically felt ugly about myself and I’d felt like that for years, even before my mum passed away. I was a mess, losing my mum was the kick I needed.”
Paul admits that going from overweight to superfit wasn't easy. He started visiting the gym with his friend, on the advice of his GP. But when his pal stopped going he lost motivation.
Still grieving for his mum, Paul found himself slipping back into old habits. But he managed to regain the strength and determination to start again, halving the size of his meals, eating healthier and going back to the gym.
After attending a course to build up his self-esteem, Paul now visits the gym up to four times a week for strength and cardio exercises - while also popping into the sauna and steam room when he can for some well-deserved relaxation.
Now a granddad to a one-year-old boy, Paul is determined to use his experience to help others. He is a full-time carer for his daughter Kirsty, 22, and the pair go to the Tameside Wellness Centre gym along with Paul's wife, Katherine.
“I can walk for miles now. I could never do that before,” he said. “I’ve got a new lease of life and so much more confidence now.
