Today, Shaun and Iain’s voluptuous bods were splashed across a double page spread in the Record.
In response, some journo pals contacted the Two Fat Laddies (2FLs). One declared that the images of the boys were being used as target practice on a dart board and another hack sent Shaun an e-mail that repeated one word over and over – HA.
Shaun was laughing about this in work, he’s my gaffer, and seemed to enjoy the post-posing-in-his-undies banter.
Rewind a couple of weeks … Shaun trudged out the office and looked like he was going to sit in a darkened room and stew in a cloud of depression. The website had gone live with ‘those pictures’ on the banner for friends, colleagues and strangers to have a gander.
He looked scared.
Now, he’s more upbeat, maybe motivated by the countless messages of support sent to the 2FLs.
This project has received a phenomenal reception in its very short lifespan and has sparked the interest of thousands, according to the web stats.
The 2FLs have also inspired me. Since I started work as a journo three months ago I have put on weight and discovered that one pair of my skinny jeans is now temporarily out of action (its like the crypton factor assault course to get into them and a display of muffin top, hanging flab, if I do).
I ran the Berlin Marathon in September and have been woeful in trying to maintain my fitness since.
Regardless of weight, size or fitness I think what the Fat Laddies are doing says: do better, improve, give a shit and try. Not a bad message I reckon.
They are doing an amazing job and inspiring lots of people. They wi,l look so good at the end of the year, the. They’ll be the ones laughing.