25
October
2018
|
16:47
Europe/Amsterdam

Super slimmer heading stateside to tackle the New York marathon after losing more than 6st

A slimmer who at her heaviest used to get tired walking up a flight of stairs will be running the New York Marathon after losing 6st 7.5lbs.

Lynne McGrail, 28, from Kilmacud, Ireland, joined Slimming World after her doctor expressed concerns about her increasing weight and high blood pressure. She also suffered a series of embarrassing events on holiday – from struggling to get the aeroplane seatbelt to fit to being almost too heavy to go paragliding. 

Now – after slimming from a size 18/20 to a 6/8 – she will be representing Slimming World when she runs the 26.2 mile New York marathon course. Lynne is running to increase awareness of how keeping a healthy weight reduces the risk of developing cancer, and to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society. Supporting the charity is particularly important to Lynne who lost her aunt to cancer last year.

Lynne McGrail
I’m so honoured to represent Slimming World at the New York marathon and to fundraise for a charity so close to my heart. I’m sure, like me, cancer has affected many people and it’s so important to raise vital funds and awareness.
Lynne McGrail

Lynne, who joined weighing 15st 6lbs and is now a Slimming World Consultant herself, says: “I can’t believe I’m running the marathon. I never dreamed I’d lose nearly half my body weight and that I’d call myself a runner. I also never dreamed I’d wake up every day and inspire others to be the best versions of themselves that they can and want to be… Now every day this is what I do and love, my Slimming World group are one big family!

“I joined Slimming World in August 2014, fast forward four years and so much has changed. I went on to lose 6st 7.5lbs in less than two years, reaching my target weight and becoming a Consultant. I went from a girl who wanted to blend in, to someone living and loving life.

“I remember how different I felt going away in summer 2015 compared to the year before. I was flying to Portugal to meet my family for a holiday, and the cherry on the cake was getting on that plane and not having to worry if the seatbelt would fit. Not only did it fit, it was roomy.

“That summer, I also fell in love with running. On that same family holiday my cousin, an avid runner, ran along the beach everyday with her husband. I decided to join them and realised how unfit I was – I couldn’t keep up with them, but I took it at my own pace. By the end of the holiday, I was keeping up and actually really enjoying it.

“I soon started running around three miles every Saturday. I dragged my boyfriend along and encouraged other Slimming World members to join me too. We became a little crew and it’s still my favourite way to kick-off a weekend. I love the feeling of achievement I get from improving mile by mile. The great thing was that I could – and still can – eat enough to fuel the miles too – nothing is banned at Slimming World – so pasta, rice and potatoes are all regularly on the menu!

“In 2014 (pre-Slimming World) I had struggled to complete the Women’s 10km Mini Marathon, but in 2017 I took part again, ran the entire distance and was so proud of myself. The atmosphere was electric, and all I wanted to do from then was run a marathon.

“I’m so honoured to represent Slimming World at the New York marathon andto fundraise for a charity so close to my heart. I’m sure, like me, cancer has affected many people and it’s so important to raise vital funds and awareness.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor Lynne can visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/slimming-worldny. Money raised will go towards the Irish Cancer Society’s work to prevent cancer, empower and support people, and save lives.

If Lynne’s story has inspired you to lose weight, everyone is welcome at the Dundrum Slimming World group which is held at Taney Parish Centre, every Thursday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm and Friday at 9.30am and 11.30am. For more information or to find your nearest group visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk, or call 0344 897 8000.

About Slimming World

Slimming World was founded by Margaret Miles-Bramwell (OBE, FRSA) in 1969. There are now more than 18,000 weekly groups supporting 900,000 members across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Groups are run by a network of 5,000 community-based Slimming World Consultants, who receive specific training in the role of diet and physical activity in weight management, as well as sophisticated behaviour-change techniques. Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising, is based on the science of satiety and energy density. Our phased activity programme, Body Magic, eases members into activity until it becomes an intrinsic part of their daily routine. The principles behind Slimming World’s philosophy are based on a deep understanding of the challenges faced by overweight people and recognition that those who struggle with weight carry a double burden, the weight itself and a burden of guilt and shame about their weight. Slimming World’s programme integrates practical, up-to-date advice with a highly developed support system based on care and compassion, and Consultant training focuses on facilitating behaviour change in a warm and friendly group environment. Consultant training is delivered through the Slimming World Academy. Slimming World also invests in a comprehensive research programme to develop its support for long-term weight management. The group support provided by Slimming World is recognised as effective by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the NHS.

For more information about Slimming World’s approach visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000. Follow Slimming World on Twitter at www.twitter.com/slimmingworld or become a Slimming World fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/slimmingworld 

For the Press Office please email public.relations@slimmingworld.co.uk