Aaron Howlett, - A real life superhero

Posted on 21 January 2015

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What would make you want to lose over 14 stone in weight, only to put 12 stone back on?

Just 9 years ago, the closest Aaron Howlett got to running was running a bath. At his heaviest, aged 29, he weighed over 30 stone, had a 62in waist was declared morbidly obese by his doctor and was told that he would die by his late 30’s if he did not lose weight.

Taking his niece to a play centre one day, he began to feel chest pains. Although he had previously tried diets, he promised his niece there and then that he would lose weight.

And lose weight indeed he did.

He entered ITV’s reality TV show “Britain’s Biggest Loser,” in 2005, which saw Aaron shed more than 10 stone in 18 weeks, to be declared the series winner, but in total, went on to lose 14stone 9lbs in 26 weeks.

After spending time losing weight, Aaron is now keen to put it back on, albeit temporarily, to help raise the profile of the charity and awareness of Tourette Syndrome, which is very close to his heart, as his eldest son Patrick has TS whilst his youngest son, Harrison is currently awaiting a diagnosis.

April 26, 2015, will see Aaron run The Virgin Money London Marathon 2015, but with a difference.
He will attempt to set a new world record carrying 12 stone around the iconic 26.2 mile course.
Starting in the celebrity pen, Aaron will have his special sand suit placed on him by a team of helpers whilst chatting to journalists and supporting Tourettes Action.

Raising awareness of Tourette Syndrome and stamping out stigma is something Aaron feels passionately about. His local community is right behind him supporting him all the way.

Hull based Napolean’s Casino&Restaurant are his main sponsor and have already generously made a donation to TA as have The Funky Fish Bar, although Aaron will not be letting any of their mouth-watering meals pass his lips whilst he is in training.

His training plan is paramount to ensure his sandbags get around safely but Aaron’s nutritional needs are just as key to his success in gaining his world record attempt. That’s all under control thanks to Vitamyn Ltd and WheatGrass UK who are looking after that.

When we caught up with Aaron, we were surprised at how cool he was about the challenge, taking everything in his stride. However as he explained to us, although he has never carried 12 stone before whilst attempting a marathon distance, he is no stranger to carrying weight as his previous challenges demonstrate.

2014 saw Aaron not just protect his Hell on the Humber record but he also beat it. His previous record stood at carrying 30kg over The Humber Bridge for a 12hr period, which he smashed on August 16 and 17 when he carried 70kg (more than 10 stone) backwards and forth once again over the Humber Bridge but this time for a 24hr period.

In the same year, Aaron completed “The Great Walk” Challenge. saw Aaron notch up 2,500 (93.5 marathons) miles starting at the Humber Bridge, Hull, to John O’Groats, John O’Groats to Lands End and then returning to Hull in just 56 days. En route Aaron met dozens of celebrities to cheer him on.

His highlight came when he was asked by Sir Steve Redgrave to be an Olympic torch bearer in Beijing for his services to fighting obesity.

Aaron, team TA are right behind you and will be at the finish line to watch you get your record.

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