Popular HGV driver with Fermanagh District Council, Thomas McAdam, Enniskillen drives faithfully every Tuesday evening to Lisnaskea to attend the Slimming World class. He has been doing so for the past 12 months and, in that time, he has shed four stone four lbs, making him, 'Man of the Year'.
It so happens he's the only male in Gail Simpson's class, one of two due to numbers which at the moment are around the 100 mark. Other men attend the other class but what makes Thomas stand out is his stickability and his enthusiasm for what Slimming World is about.
One of his biggest admirers is Gail herself. She recalled how he shed one stone three lb in just five weeks and, how, when it comes to 'image therapy' or keep fit under another name, Thomas has the class in stitches.
The background to Thomas signing up with Slimming World in Lisnaskea is an interesting one. He had had a routine check-up with his GP and health nurse at which he was advised that, unless he did something about his weight, then 17 stone five lbs, he could end up having diabetes, a family illness. And, he was warned that his cholesterol and blood pressure were 'bordering on the dangerous'.
By chance, he bumped into his niece whom he noticed had lost weight and, to cut a long story short, she filled him in on Slimming World and its 'food optimising' eating plan.
The plan is best explained by Thomas himself: "I couldn't believe what my niece told me, that you could lose weight by filling your plate. I thought it was just too good to be true. But, she was telling the truth. Myself and my wife, Fidelma joined, we were welcomed by Gail, our consultant and by the other members, and the food optimising programme explained to us.
"We soon found we never had to go hungry and live off rabbit food, or give up things like crisps and chocolate. I found didn't have to cut back on bread. I use my treats for that, and I always leave room or some chocolate at the end of the day".
Thomas's dexterity in the kitchen soon had him making pasta and sauce that he adds ingredients and spices to.
The 'Man of the Year 2008' award isn't his first award since joining Slimming World. He has been 'Slimmer of the Week' many times and, earlier this year, he and is wife were voted, 'Mr and Mrs Slimming World 2008'.
Today, Thomas's waistband is down to 36" from 42", and, as he told the 'Herald', he intends losing more weight.
"I'm 13 stone at the moment, but I'm going to go down another wee bit, perhaps to 12 stone five and I will see what I'm like then.
"But, I really feel you should be writing about Gail because she has been my inspiration and to the rest of the class. I don't think I will ever leave it because it's brilliant, and if I'm stuck, she can be contacted on the phone".
Asked if he was embarrassed at the start due to there being so few men in his class, he admitted, 'a wee bit':
"But I got used to it because I was doing this for myself. I would not miss it. I look forward to it, it's good fun. I know I'm the only man in the class, but I would certainly encourage more men to join".
For her part, Gail described Thomas as a stayer, and one who joins in whole-heartedly.
"Unfortunately, he is outnumbered. I do agree that most people associate slimming classes with women, but more and more men are taking care of themselves these days. We don't make anybody feel uncomfortable and there is no pressure to join'.
In fact, Gail invites people to come along and see what Slimming World is about, without obligation. Or, they can call her at - 079 1933 7920.
