When my daughter Chloe sat me down and gently suggested I think about losing weight, I’ll admit it was hard to hear. Looking back now, though, I know it came from a place of pure love.

She told me I should look after myself because she wanted me to be around for as long as possible. After everything our family had been through, those words really stayed with me.

A few years earlier, I’d had treatment for a lung tumour and lost one of my lungs. Not long after that, my dad passed away. Looking back, it’s no wonder I wasn’t taking very good care of myself.

Food became my comfort. Whenever I was stressed, upset or struggling, I’d reach for chocolate, biscuits or a takeaway. They’d cheer me up for a little while, but after that I’d feel uncomfortable, guilty and disappointed in myself.

At 18st 8lbs (117.9kg), I knew my weight was taking its toll. My knees and hips were constantly painful, and everyday tasks felt harder than they should. Most of all, I couldn’t bear the thought of Chloe worrying about me.

I decided it was time to do something and visited my GP to find out what support was available.

My doctor referred me to my local Slimming World group and, looking back now, that referral changed my life.

I already knew someone who’d had great success with Slimming World, and because my GP had recommended it, I felt reassured that it’d be a healthy, sustainable way to lose weight.

I was incredibly nervous going to my first group. It turned out to be my Consultant Jacquie’s first night running the group, too, so we were both a bag of nerves!

Very quickly, I realised this was unlike any slimming method I’d tried before. Over the years I’d dipped in and out of different diets and even lost 3st (19.1kg) on a meal replacement plan. The problem was that as soon as I stopped, the weight came straight back on.

With Slimming World, I could eat real food. Meals like spaghetti bolognese, curries, stews and filled jacket potatoes were all on the menu. It didn’t feel restrictive or complicated, and for the first time I found a way of eating that fitted into real life.

Because nothing was off-limits, it felt easy to stick to and, bit by bit, the weight came off.

Discover Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising

Another thing that made a huge difference was the support. In the past, I’d always tried to lose weight on my own. Suddenly, I was surrounded by people who understood exactly how I was feeling because they were on similar journeys themselves.

That sense of community became incredibly important to me. In fact, when I moved house, I loved my group so much that I decided to keep going, and I now travel 40 minutes each way every week just to be there.

The support, encouragement and friendships I’ve found in group mean so much to me. Slimming World didn’t just help me lose weight – it helped me learn more about myself and the habits that were holding me back. I realised that if I came home from work without a plan for dinner, I was much more likely to make unhealthy choices, so I started keeping easy meals in the freezer for busy days.

What’s included when you join Slimming World?

Part-way through my weight loss journey, I was told I needed a hip replacement. By then I’d already lost around 6st (38kg), but my hip was still causing me significant pain. I remember joking with my surgeon that my goal was to be dancing in high heels afterwards. Well, just three months after my operation, I was! 

I genuinely believe losing weight helped my recovery. I’d prepared myself for a long road back, but I regained my strength and mobility far more quickly than I’d ever expected.

These days, I’m more active than I’ve ever been. Before, I’d avoided stairs because my joints hurt so much. Now, I race up them and sometimes take two at a time without even thinking about it!

Find out more about Slimming World’s active lifestyle programme

The number on the scales isn’t the biggest change, though. I feel like a completely different person. The woman who once preferred to stay at home now loves going out, socialising and heading straight for the dance floor whenever the opportunity arises – especially if Beyoncé comes on!

Most importantly, I’ve learned that I don’t have to do it alone. My Slimming World group has carried me through challenges, celebrated every success with me and helped me believe in myself again. For me, that weekly support, inspiration and accountability has been the key to maintaining my success.

I can’t wait to see what comes next for me now. One thing’s for certain, though: whatever happens, I’ll be facing it with confidence, a smile on my face and a fabulous pair of dancing shoes on my feet.

Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.