A family portrait changed Ben Fairburn’s life. At 23 stone and a heavy smoker, he decided to take action and become a role model for his kids. He’s now lost over eight stone and has become a Join In Local Leader, inspiring others to get fit.
My weight explosion happened from my early twenties to my mid-thirties, when I hit a peak of 23st 4lbs. I put this weight gain down to a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle, no hobbies, and a lazy attitude to food and health – preferring to go to a drive-thru rather than make my own lunch.
In 2006, I had my first boy and, two years later, my second son was born. I was determined to give them an active lifestyle, but the real turning point came when I saw myself in a family portrait. For years I had tried my best to avoid being photographed and would hide behind people or objects, I guess to hide the truth about my size and health. When I saw that photo,
I knew I had to change.
I remember watching a TV show on Jane Tomlinson and was really moved by her story – so much so that, at 12 o’clock that night, I entered the Jane Tomlinson Appeal Hull 10K. A few days later, a number of people sponsored me, so I went out, bought a pair of trainers and went for a run/walk on 4 January 2011. I changed my diet and stopped smoking the very same day.
Going from a sedentary lifestyle to one that was not so sluggish was so rewarding that I never found it overly difficult. The more weight I lost, the more people noticed and the more motivated I became. By the end of January, I could run three miles without stopping and, from then on, I ran nine to ten miles over three runs a week. I also joined Beverley Athletic Club.
Since my first race in Hull, I’ve discovered that, in order to succeed, I need something to aim for. Therefore, I enter a number of events every year. I still do the Hull 10K annually, as a reminder to myself why I started this journey. My events range from half-marathons, obstacle races, a local cross-country league and marathons.
This started as a weight-loss journey. However, the greatest moment was when I realised it had become my lifestyle. My boys look to me as a role model, and my eldest son, who’s eight-years-old, with the company of my wife, does the local parkrun every Saturday because he wants to become an Olympic athlete!
I currently weigh just under 15st and still aim to lose a little more. This weight loss and change of lifestyle has transformed my life and career. I have become far more confident and am always happy to step outside of my comfort zone. All in all, I’m loving life and the roads and trails that I continue to pound.
Ben is a member of Join In: a London 2012 legacy charity that puts more volunteers into community sport. Visit joininuk.org for further details.
