For many of us, weight gain happens gradually – an extra takeaway here, a few pints there – especially after the structure of school life fades. That was my story.
After leaving school, I began to enjoy life a bit too much: fast food, junk, and drink became the norm.
Then I got married to Marie, and we were blessed with four children. My life changed, but my health slowly began to unravel.
At 38, I had a fall after work. I knew something wasn’t right. Marie somehow got me downstairs, into the car, and, with our two-year-old in tow, rushed me to the GP.
From there, I was taken by ambulance to hospital. The tests came back inconclusive, but doctors believed I’d experienced two transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) – mini-strokes – one at home, one in the hospital.
That terrifying episode was only the beginning.
A decade of decline
Over the years, my health deteriorated. I developed high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a fatty liver, migraines, constant knee pain – and was eventually diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. At one point, I was taking over 20 tablets a day.
During this time we welcomed our fifth child into our lives.
I tried to manage my weight using advice from the British Heart Foundation, but the reality was: I was in denial.
I was still working full-time and told myself that I was “managing fine.” Marie suggested Slimming World more than once, but I refused. The idea of being the only man in a room full of women made me uncomfortable. So I carried on – unchanged and unhealthy.
Then came another wake-up call.
Marie suspected I had sleep apnoea. It was confirmed after a dentist struggled to stabilise my breathing during a procedure and flagged it to my GP. Tests followed, and the diagnosis was official. I now had to wear a breathing mask at night.
That shook me. I didn’t want my five-year-old to be scared seeing his dad like that. Something had to change.
Taking the first step
In August 2015, we went on a family holiday. On our return, Marie said simply: “You’re joining Slimming World.” I was sceptical, the consultant asked me to give it a month for me to see some fantastic results. I weighed over 21 stones.
One month became many. By May 2016, I had lost three stones 9.5lbs and was named Man of the Year in our group. My medication started being reduced. I felt stronger, clearer, and more in control.
By March 2017, I had lost four-and-a-half stones and had both knees operated on. In March 2020, just before COVID hit, I was five-and-a-half stones lighter. My medication was down to less than half what it had been.
COVID setbacks – and a comeback
Like many others, the pandemic threw life off balance. Slimming World groups paused, routines collapsed, and I gained one-and-a-half stone.
During lockdown, I also had a hip replacement. My blood sugars crept back up, medications increased again, and I slipped into old habits.
I knew where I was headed – and I didn’t want to go back. The mask, the exhaustion, the fear.
So in November 2024, I rejoined the Aspatria Slimming World group. I got back on track. Since rejoining, I’ve lost one stone 8lbs and am now under 15 stones – the lowest I’ve been in over a decade.
The victories keep coming
One of my proudest non-scale victories recently was slipping on a pair of size 38 shorts – only for them to fall down without a belt. I had to buy a size 34. That moment meant more than any number on a scale.
I can’t bear to think where my health would be today – or if I’d even be here – if I hadn’t joined Slimming World. Watching my children grow up, and now my grandchildren, is something I cherish every day.
Slimming World didn’t just help me lose weight. It gave me back my health, my confidence, and, ultimately, my life. And for that, I am deeply grateful.
Thank you to Marie for never giving up on me, Jenni, Michelle and Jodie for your unwavering support, and to the Aspatria group for walking this journey with me.
Now to reach my target!
