Claresholm man to enter ‘Legendary Dad Bod Challenge’
transformation - Dave Murphy, who moved with his family to Claresholm in May, is taking part in the “Legendary Dad Bod Challenge” through Men’s Journal Magazine. He has already been on a weight loss journey that saw him go from 392 pounds to 170 pounds, illustrated by the before and after pictures. Photos submitted
Dave Murphy needs your support as he undertakes a very special challenge.
Starting on Sept. 20, the Claresholm resident is taking part in the “Legendary Dad Bod Challenge” put on by Men’s Journal Magazine.
If he garners enough votes, he will win a prize of $25,000, a two-page feature in Men’s Journal, the “Legendary Dad Bod” trophy and more, with money going to charity if he wins the challenge.
It is just the next in a long line of initiatives Murphy has undertaken to help others since 1994.
That year he was involved in an incident where he suffered 13 stab wounds, had to learn how to walk again, and was confined to the couch for six months.
Two paramedics and an off-duty firefighter saved his life and, not only did he never forget that, he vowed to give back.
One of his close friends was stationed in Afghanistan in 2007 when a Tim Horton’s opened on the base.
Murphy started a Facebook group called “Tim Horton’s for Troops”, and had 10 members after the first week.
He connected with the Military Family Resource Centre and soon the coffee started pouring in to the troops, and more than 100,000 messages were sent to troops.
That grew into Operation Pen Pal where Murphy connected schools and children with veterans. That grew to include about 2,500 pen pals.
Gene Simmons of the rock band KISS followed Murphy’s page and soon he was giving concert tickets to Murphy to give to veterans. That too grew to include tickets for most hard rock bands going to veterans.
Then about two years ago Murphy found himself weighing 392 pounds, and had to get motivated to lose weight.
He pledged to lose 100 pounds. More than that he would donate $1 per pound lost to Can Praxis, an organization north of Calgary that helps veterans, first responders and health-care workers using a horse therapy program.
It is run by a veteran, his daughter and a volunteer.
“The money goes to them,” Murphy said.
He hit his goal, and seven people matched donations for a total of $750.
Arlene Dickinson of the CBC TV show “Dragon’s Den” matched that, bringing the total to $1,500, then Spruce Meadows saw it and committed $22,000 on their own.
Murphy levelled off at 170 pounds inspiring five others to take on the $1 per pound challenge.
Most recently, Murphy heard about the “Legendary Dad Bod Challenge”, applied and was accepted.
The first round of voting starts Sept. 20 and goes to Sept. 30.
People can vote by visiting the “Legendary Dad Bod” Facebook page.
If Murphy wins the $25,000, a portion of the money will go to charities, specifically Can Praxis.
“I want to inspire people to take on the same type of mission,” he said. “That’s my main mission is to spread the word.”