A top male model has revealed he turned his back on partying after having an epiphany during his time in the army.
Lar Stoutt realised he was sick of booze and the fast life after a stint as a soldier in Lebanon – and has turned his focus to raising money for a mental health charity.
The Co Wexford man told the Irish Mirror: “When I went overseas as an infantry soldier, it made me realise life is all about the simple things.
“I realised how lucky I had it. When I came back I got away from the party lifestyle.
“I wasn’t the best in school. When I came back from the Lebanon I applied for Assets Modelling Agency and I transferred out of the army to become a fireman too.”
Opening up on his partying days, Lar, 25, said: “I was probably on the more extreme side of partying when I was a young lad.
“I got sick of that. I’m trying to spread positivity about how good fitness is for your mental health on social media now. I had a bit of an awakening when I was away.
“I bought a van and I’ve put a bed in the back and I’m going to travel around and sleep in it.”
The Assets model, who was recently selected to head up a Lifestyle Sports campaign, added his mental health has improved by focusing on nature and hiking.
Raising money for Pieta House, Lar is hiking the 131km Wicklow Way on his own at the end of August.
He said: “I know a good few people who struggle with their mental health. I’ve had family who suffered too, so I thought this was a great way to give back.
“I think the lockdown took it out of people but I feel I benefitted from it focusing on the smaller things.
“My social media and stuff I put up is down to earth, although I’m a model I don’t want people to think I’m stuck up.
“It’s almost like I’m living a monk’s life now, I’ve had to dig deep into my savings to live this nomadic lifestyle.”
And Lar is unfazed by being slagged by the lads over his thriving modelling career, adding: “In my job with the fire brigade, I got a bit of a slagging from the lads.
“They call me a bit of a fairy for modelling but I’ve developed a thick skin. You only get one life.”
