Scouse superhero Speedo Mick: From rock bottom to seeing life story on stage

Michael Cullen, better known as Speedo Mick, is a remarkable man from Liverpool whose life story has captured the hearts of many. In January 2023, he was seen walking through the snowy Scottish Highlands wearing only his blue swimming trunks, a woolly hat, scarf, gloves, and a backpack. Despite the freezing temperatures and harsh weather, he walked with his face lifted to the sky, eyes closed, and a look of relief and peace. This image of Speedo Mick is powerful because it shows a man who has overcome great difficulties to become a symbol of hope and courage. His story is now being celebrated in a stage musical that tells how he went from being homeless to raising over one million pounds for charity.

Speedo Mick’s transformation is like a superhero’s. Just as Clark Kent becomes Superman when he changes into his red underpants, Michael becomes Speedo Mick when he puts on his tight blue Speedos. He says he feels braver and more fearless when he wears them. Over the years, he has walked across the British Isles in all kinds of weather, often bare-chested except for his Speedos, walking boots, and sometimes a scarf and hat. One of his most extreme challenges was climbing the tallest mountains in England, Scotland, and Wales during the middle of winter. He recalls reaching the top of Ben Nevis in minus 18 degrees Celsius without getting hypothermia, which is an incredible feat.

Michael’s journey to becoming Speedo Mick was not easy. He had a difficult childhood in Liverpool, struggling with alcohol and drug abuse, which led to homelessness. He describes his early life as sad and torturous, but in 2001, he decided to change. He got clean and began to use his energy to help others. His charity walks have raised money for mental health, disadvantaged young people, and homelessness. Despite facing negativity and even hostility from some people during his walks, he has continued to push forward. His story is now being told on stage in a musical that explores not only his achievements but also the personal struggles behind them. The show aims to inspire people to find hope and accept themselves, no matter what challenges they face.