Donegal’s Cathal Gallagher has urged people to take part in Operation Transformation admitting the show ‘saved his life’.
The Donegal dad, 48, was the show’s heaviest ever leader, tipping the scales at 26 st 10 lbs last January, with health experts estimating he had the fitness levels of an 80-year-old.
The paramedic shed 3st 3lbs while taking part in Operation Transformation and is now down to 21st 3 lbs.
Speaking at the launch of the 2020 series, he said: “My involvement in Operation Transformation this year has, without doubt, saved my life.
“I’ve had a few bumps over the summer but we, the leaders, have stayed in touch and when we have an issue we share, support and motivate each other.
“I would encourage anyone who wants to transform their outlook in life, be it a change in physical health or even more importantly a mental health change, to apply to become an Operation Transformation leader.
“It works, I’m living proof it does.”