RONAN SCULLY
GALWAY-BASED Ronan, 47, was in Series 4 and works for the charity Self Help Africa.
WHEN I got on the show I was 16st 4lbs, a dashboard eater and workaholic eating breakfast rolls and chocolate and drinking five cans of Red Bull a day.
I used to play football and hurling for Offaly but I let myself go and put everything into work. Myself and my wife were trying to start a family and things didn’t work out. We had IVF, got pregnant once and sadly lost him. So we went the adoption route and got two beautiful little angels from Ethopia, Mia, 7 and Sophie, 3.
There is a high risk of heart disease in my family and I wanted to change my lifestyle to be around for them. OT gave me the kick I needed. It made me look at my life and see what is important.
I lost about 3st on the show. I’m 13st 4lbs now. I’ve kept it off. Working for a charity has helped as I get involved in the charity runs and walks now. I’m climbing Croagh Patrick in April and cycling from Malin to Mizen in May. I’m trying to bring a group to the Great Ethopian Run in November. When you’re out walking and running in nature you start thinking about things and I’ve got very reflective. I just wrote a book called Time Out — uplifting reflections about life, gratitude and spirituality — and all the proceeds will go to Self Help Africa and the Irish Guide Dogs. I wouldn’t say I’m very fit but I try to get the balance. OT has improved our family’s whole quality of life.