Wednesday 21st of October 2009
Bingo caller tells all
A former bingo games caller has spoken movingly about how he managed to get his weight problems under control.
Charlie Walduck, a 41-year-old Manchester resident, weighed a staggering 50 stone and had severe mobility issues back in his mid-30s, reports the Bury Times.
This was caused by a diet consisting primarily of pork pies and fried breakfasts, combined with a total lack of exercise.
His life-changing moment came in a Manchester bingo club, when the chair he was using collapsed under his weight.
This Morning steps in
After that, a combination of celebrity support and sheer dedication turned his life around.
After a friend wrote to ITV1's This Morning programme, Charlie was given some tips by regular guest Dr Chris Steele. He adopted a strict dieting regime and started walking around Manchester regularly.
And it obviously paid off because he now weighs just 15 stone an astonishing drop of 35 stone.
Charlie now wants to help people in a similar situation so he has launched a programme of weight-loss classes across the region.
He also hosts a radio show and has written a tell-all autobiography, Slimmer Charlie, that outlines his incredible story.
"The book is about my life and why I became the size I did with tips and advice," he explained.
"I'm very proud of it, it has taken a long time to write."
Many bingo players have been able to achieve their weight-loss goals thanks to the support of local dieting groups.
In Nottingham, for example, members of a popular Weight Watchers group meet every week in a nearby bingo club.
