A Workington man is getting ready to take on some extreme food challenges – and we’ll be sharing them all for you to watch right here.
Iain ‘Rollo’ Rollason, 38, from Workington, will be eating mind boggling amounts of food all in the name of supporting local businesses and giving everyone a good laugh in the run-up to Christmas.
We’ll be backing him the whole way by sharing every challenge on our website and social media – so make sure you check back with us for updates.
Rollo is a former MMA fighter who is now a competitive bodybuilder and said his inspiration to take on the challenges came from wanting to give back to the community.
He added: “I got a lot of help from local businesses while I was fighting, so I thought right, let’s think of a way to give back that is something fun for everyone and what’s better than food challenges?
“Without supporting local everything will disappear. We don’t want to lose that local tradition of it being a friendly area where everyone knows everyone.
“If you go down South nobody knows each other and it’s nice to go into your local and know who you’re talking to, so I thought lets give back to them hardworking people and support them.”
After months of dieting for a Men’s Physique show that will take place on November 12 – Rollo said he was excited to take on the enormous meals he has lined up.
Five challenges are already set in stone and another three are set to be confirmed – with the first taking place at Al’s Kitchen in Workington on November 18, where the 38-year-old will go up against a ‘mega mega’ Christmas baguette.
Other challenges will include a ‘burritozilla’ created by S&R Events and Catering, a super-sized eight pound pie and mash challenge at Squirrels Pantry in Cockermouth and an immense breakfast at The Eatery in Workington.
Before Christmas he’ll also take on a ‘big sexy challenge’ at The Hungry Caterpillar and The Garden in Workington – wondering what on earth that will be? You’ll have to tune in to find out.
Many of the businesses taking part don’t usually offer the challenges – but are being specially put on for Rollo to take on. He’s also making sure nobody is out of pocket and paying for the challenges himself.
He added: “I got a few offering to do some away but I thought why do them away when I can do them at home and help here instead.
“I’m gonna try my best to smash the challenges, I want to complete them and have a laugh and I want people to have a laugh at me, I just want it to cheer everyone up.
“But I wont be going too wild because I can’t be getting too fat!”
While Rollo isn’t a full-time competitive eater, he loves his food and has managed to complete one extreme food challenge in the past.
The first five challenges will take place weekly up until the Christmas period before slowing down in the new year when he hopes to compete again to gain a place in the Men’s Physique British finals.
Other food challenges taking place after Christmas will include a tower dessert challenge by Tan’s Bakes, a pizza pie challenge by Aroma Coffee & Takeaway in Maryport, a ‘mega mega’ mixed grill by The Dovenby Ship in Cockermouth and ‘the meat mountain’ by Marshal’s Butchers in Workington.
Businesses interested in getting involved with Rollo’s Cumbrian Food Challenge series can get in touch with Rollo directly via Facebook or by emailing us at admin@cumbriacrack.com
You can follow Rollo’s food challenge YouTube channel by clicking here.
