Ipswich Town’s loyal supporter Graham Baalham has transformed his life, shedding 17 stone and swapping cramped turnstile visits for endless kick‑abouts with his grandchildren. The 56‑year‑old from Bury St Edmunds credits Slimming World for a 92‑week journey that left him 11st 13lb, enough to run ten miles a day and feel twenty years younger.

How did the weight loss happen?

Graham entered Slimming World in April 2024 after his wife Belinda urged him to act. At his heaviest he weighed 28st 12lb, struggled to walk a mile and avoided doctors for years. A serious leg infection that threatened amputation became the turning point. He says the doctor’s warning forced him to commit, and the programme’s focus on balanced eating helped him drop 16st 13lb. Graham now avoids crisps and chocolate, walks his dog for miles and says he feels like a 20‑year‑old again.

Why does this matter to Ipswich Town fans?

The story highlights the deep bond between the club and its community. Fans often talk about the turnstiles at Portman Road, and Graham’s struggle to fit through them resonated with many supporters who face similar barriers to match‑day attendance. His renewed ability to watch games and play football mirrors the club’s own resurgence – Ipswich Town sit 2nd in the Championship with 84 points from 46 games, recent form WDDWD, and are 11 points behind leaders Coventry. The club’s 80 goals scored and 47 conceded (+33 goal difference) underline a season of attacking promise, echoing Graham’s newfound energy.

What does his new routine look like?

Every Saturday, Graham now joins his nine‑year‑old grandson Charles for a backyard match that lasts hours. Younger grandsons Julian (five) and baby Spencer tag along, turning the garden into a mini‑Portman Road. Graham says the simple joy of a kick‑about means the world to him, and he feels a responsibility to stay healthy for his three adult children – Sian, Matthew and Bethany – and their kids. He walks up to ten miles a day with his dog, a stark contrast to the days when a single mile left him exhausted.

How can other fans follow his example?

Graham’s story is a reminder that personal health can enhance the match‑day experience. He urges fellow supporters to seek community programmes, stay active and watch their diet. “Slimming World didn’t just help me lose weight – it taught me how to eat properly,” he explains. The club’s community outreach teams often partner with local health groups, offering workshops that echo Graham’s journey. Fans who take similar steps may find themselves fitting through turnstiles with ease and cheering louder from the stands.

What’s next for Graham and Ipswich Town?

Graham plans to keep playing football with his grandchildren every weekend and hopes to attend more home games as the season progresses. With Ipswich Town pushing for promotion, his story adds a human element to the club’s ambitions. As the team chases the title, supporters like Graham prove that dedication off the pitch can mirror the determination on it.