Wirral man who lost TEN stone reaches semi-finals of competition to find UK's top male slimmer

Michael Davenport, 45, was one of 43 men to win a place at the semi-finals of Slimming World's Man of the Year 2018 competition after losing an astonishing 10st.

Speaking to the Globe in December, Michael revealed how he was inspired to lose weight after a chance encounter in a pub with a man who had lost six and a half stone over two years.

Michael then plucked up the courage to start Slimming World three weeks later and also began walking a mile every day.

Three years ago, Michael lost his son Matthew and confessed that he began comfort eating to cope with his loss.

Michael before losing weight

Now, after slimming down from 23st 4lbs to 13st 4lbs, Michael was shortlisted in the nationwide competition and was congratulated by Liverpool footballing legend John Barnes.

Michael said: “I think I had a really negative view of weight loss before I joined Slimming World, I thought I’d be constantly hungry and have to give up all of my favourite foods.

"I couldn’t have been more wrong though, I eat just as much as before, if not more.

"The beauty is that I can fill up on all of my favourite foods and lose weight without depriving myself.

"Steak and chips, cooked breakfasts, curries and my favourite salt and pepper chicken are all still on the menu, I’ve just had to make some simple swaps like ditching the olive oil or butter in favour of low-calorie cooking spray and trimming the fat off of meat.

“I did worry that I’d be the only bloke in the room, I wasn’t though.

"And, even if I ever was, it wouldn’t matter because everyone is there for the same reason and it’s such a supportive and friendly environment.

"All the hints, tips and recipes you pick up in group are really helpful too.

“Losing weight has even encouraged me to think about how active I am too. I now go to the gym several times a week, I’ve climbed Ben Nevis and various other mountains, I swim and I’ve recently bought a push bike.

"Getting to meet John was great too, I never knew losing weight would have this many perks.”

John, who has now hung up his football boots to become a successful pundit, was blown away by the achievements of the men he met at the competition.

He said: “As a footballer, health and fitness has formed a huge part of my life, so I know how much effort and dedication it can take to stay fit and healthy – both mentally and physically. It was a pleasure to meet Michael – I can’t believe his transformation, he doesn’t look like the same bloke.

“I think a lot of men find it really difficult to admit they have a problem with something and then seek the help they need to fix it.

"It’s not an easy thing to do so Michael has my utmost respect.

"I have to say the food he makes looks delicious too – I might have to have a go at a few recipes myself!”

Unfortunately Michael was not the overall winner of the competition and missed out to Dave Lancaster from Warwickshire who had lost 20st 8½lbs

Donna Wade who runs the Bebington group said: “A lot of men think that slimming clubs are female-only zones, so Michael is living proof that this isn’t the case.

"In fact, there are now 60,000 men attending Slimming World groups, which goes to show that men need just as much support as women to slim down and improve their health. Slimming World works for everyone, so I hope Michael inspires lots of other people in Bebington – male or female – who’d like to lose weight to take that step and join our group at Bebington Civic Centre.”