A serious health issue at the start of 2026 sparked MAN v FAT Paisley member Jamie Birnie into action to improve his health = and it’s been an impressive recovery since then.
Back in January, Jamie was rushed into hospital and placed into an induced coma and it emerged he had meningitis on the brain.
That coma was to last six days and Jamie explained: “I was told I was minutes away from dying and the thought of never seeing my kids or family again broke me completely.
“I couldn’t speak and I had to learn to walk again, but nothing and no one was going to stop me on my road to recovery.”
Jamie had huge thanks for his partner Danielle, who got him to hospital that day. “She had the strength to get me to hospital and she’s been there for me every day and night on my recovery.
“Since coming out of hospital, it’s not been an easy ride, but I have powered through, taking life with both hands and not turning back.”
Jamie joined MAN v FAT in 2024 and, since his health scare, has found a new focus to progress with his weight loss and wellbeing.
He added: “I was very motivated by Darren the Coach, the Assistant Coach Craig and club as a whole but my main focus was to be able to step on the pitch at the MAN v FAT tournament.
“The support from the community has been great, there have been a few select members who have been extremely supportive, checking in daily, following on my recovery & weight loss journey.”
Jamie is now five stone lighter than when he first started losing weight and still has health targets to meet in the coming months and beyond.
“I want to continue my journey at MAN v FAT and reach my target weights each week and continue to help and support others,” he added.
“My main aim now is to prove to people that no matter what happens to you in life, it is possible to recover and continue to fight and better your health and mental wellbeing.
“If I have learned one thing from this experience, it’s don’t take life for granted. Look after yourself, reach for your goals and don’t be scared to live life to the max – you only do it once after all.”
