SWINDON Town supporters united in fighting the fat through their football fandom are celebrating after their combined losses reached 40 stone in three months.

The group of 30 fans, aged between 35 to 65, took part in an innovative programme called Football Fans In Training (FFIT), which kicked off in January and aimed to help them make positive changes to their diet and exercise routines through a shared love of the beautiful game.

Thrilled with the scheme’s success, and its impact on their waistlines, group members are so determined to maintain their new-found fitness that they’re still meeting up to play football together and keep supporting each other every step and kick of the way.

The initiative proved just the tonic for lifelong Swindon Town supporter Roman Piotrowski, a 55-year-old construction design consultant, who has already lost more than three stone and completely transformed his lifestyle.

The dad-of-two from Covingham said: “It has completely turned my life around and I want to say a massive thank you.

“I was sleepwalking my way to a heart attack, but now I’m on the right track and feel so much better physically and mentally. It’s brilliant.”

At the start of the course, Roman tipped the scales at 23 stone after his weight had been steadily rising since he hit 40, stopped playing football and slipped into unhealthy eating habits.

“It’s very easy to fall into a lazy routine and if you’re not moving about much, you’re not burning it off. I got promoted at work, stopped playing football and started eating more takeaways,” he said.

“I didn’t binge eat, but the pounds just piled on over the years – all those odd biscuits with your tea, an extra sandwich or treat kebab add up and it becomes a vicious circle because the bigger you are, the harder it is to move, so you make excuses and don’t do it.”

Three years ago Roman was diagnosed with high blood pressure and type two diabetes, but still struggled to find the motivation to change his sedentary ways.

“I suffer from low mood so although I knew I should do something, I struggled to take action,” he said.

“I’ve been a Town fan since I was a young lad so when I heard about it I thought it’s right up my street because we’ll all be in the same boat and have our following of the club in common.

“It totally surpassed my expectations. The coaches are fantastic – full of encouragement and empathy. I’ve also made some great friends and despite being a little older, it didn’t matter – I got stuck in and got back into the swing of it.”

The council-run scheme, delivered in partnership with Swindon Town Football in the Community Trust, features information and advice about a range of topics, such as alcohol and portion size, along with physical activity sessions, including football skills and circuit training.

FFIT also kick-started a healthier lifestyle for Barry Palmer, who has shed more than two stone.

Barry, a 48-year-old warehouse leader at Honda, from Stratton, said: “It was just the kick I needed. I’ve been into football all my life and still train a local club, but over the years you become less active and doing shift work makes it easy to reach for things like crisps, pasties and chocolate.”

Since completing FFIT Barry is back down to 16 stone – the lightest he has been in two decades – through becoming more active and cutting out junk food.

“I walk the kids to school and get more involved in the football training, having previously stood on the sidelines,” said the father of four.

“I’ve stopped having fried breakfasts in the staff canteen and snacking on convenience food. To be honest, I don’t miss it because I feel so much better now and have stacks more energy. I eat healthily and save the trips to the chippie for an occasional treat.”

“We’re all determined to stick with it and are travelling up to Scotland to play in a football tournament in June, so there’s that to prepare for,” he said.

“We’ve made mates for life and I’m really grateful for the opportunity which has sorted us all out.”

Mark Starr, a 48-year-old sign language interpreter, from Wroughton, has overhauled his lifestyle with equally impressive results.

The dad-of-four, who has lost more than two and a half stone and turned teetotal, said: “I used to be quite fit but now I’m even fitter and faster. I can’t quite believe it – this programme has been absolutely amazing and I can fit back into jeans from nearly 10 years ago.”

These days Mark spends his spare time playing football with his nine-year-old son Thomas, going for long walks with his wife Dawn, running or trying out different workouts and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

The next intake for Football Fans in Training starts in September. If you’re a football fan and want To find out more or join up, contact Jon Holloway by email to jon@stfc-fitc.co.uk, or call 01793 421303.