'I relied on Just Eat when Covid left me scared to go out - look at me now'
22.01.2022 - 11:08
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A grandad has told of how he ‘wrestled back his life’ after the stress of the pandemic left him overweight with low self-esteem.
The former Ironman Triathlon finisher embarked on a strict regime to build back the physique and level of fitness he once had - and now says he feels ‘incredible’.
Rich Phillips, who works as an administrator for the General Medical Council (GMC), had left his job in 2020 to pursue an adventure travelling across France.
Instead, he was stuck indoors once the pandemic hit, and was fearful of leaving his home.
READ MORE: 'I made £20m after losing four stone - and fell for the woman I'm about to have a baby with'
The 57-year-old resorted to ordering Chinese, Indian, and fish and chips takeaways from Just Eat and Deliveroo a couple of times a week, and had gin packages delivered to his door from his local bar at weekends.
Before he knew it, his new sedentary lifestyle led to him piling on the pounds and he couldn’t recognise himself.
“When the pandemic hit we were all scared to death of leaving the house,” Rich, from Prestwich, said.
“At that time, I was very cautious.
“I wasn’t working, had succumbed to drinking too much wine and eating too much food.
“It was all so convenient, and nobody wanted to go out.
“I remember we were all frightened so it was easier to pick up the phone. Everyone was coming to you, even the local gin bar.”
Rich kept busy by doing DIY projects around his house, but his movement was nothing like it was pre-pandemic.
He used to cycle to his job in town, would go walking at weekends with his four-year-old grandaughter Daisy, and go open water swimming at Salford Quays - all activities that were banned under lockdown rules.
As well as completing the Ironman Triathlon,