There are moments in life that just hit you like a thunderbolt. Losing my big brother, Vinny, was one of them. Tragically, he passed away from leukaemia aged just 59. It left me devastated. He was so young, and his death forced me to take a long, hard look at my own health. 

My weight had bothered me for a long time – it was affecting my life and my self-esteem. I remember being at the York races, feeling fabulous in my teal dress, when my friend snapped a photo of me crossing the racecourse. Later, my daughter Lauryn showed it to me, and I was shocked at the reality of how I looked. There was no escaping that the pounds had crept on.

Later that month, I went on a girls’ trip to the south of France – but instead of joining my friends in the hot tub with a glass of fizz, I sat on the sidelines, too self-conscious to join in.

Vinny’s passing gave me the push I needed to take action. I felt I owed it to him to make the most of the time I had, without being held back by my weight. I was ready to take control for good.

Over the years, I’d tried everything to lose weight – including weight loss jabs. I paid a lot of money, telling myself it was an investment in my health. Within two months, I’d lost weight – but it came at an even higher price: I felt constantly sick and my appetite had disappeared. I didn’t enjoy meals out or get-togethers with family and friends any more, and food became a real source of anxiety rather than pleasure. 

From the start, I’d felt uneasy about having the jabs. I’d try to avoid taking paracetamol unless I really needed to, so using drugs to lose weight just didn’t sit right with me. And as soon as I stopped, my hunger, cravings and old eating patterns came rushing back. I felt disappointed in myself all over again as the pounds crept back on. I knew I needed something to help me change my eating habits for good, rather than just suppressing my appetite.

Read the results of our research into weight loss injections here

Back in 2011, I’d lost 3st (19.1kg) with Slimming World – but skipping group after weigh-in meant I missed out on the support. Eventually, I regained what I’d lost, and by 2020 I weighed more than 17st. I tried to slim alone, but my progress was slow – it took me a year to lose 1st (6.3kg). It was frustrating, and made turning to ‘quick fixes’ even more tempting. 

This time, I decided to do it differently. I felt determined after everything that had happened in the summer. So, I rejoined Slimming World – this time for my health, my future, and in memory of Vinny.

Joining Scott’s group in Peterborough was a game-changer. I learnt so much from him and the other members. The biggest shift, though, was in the way I spoke to myself – instead of being self-critical, I started to say I was learning (never ‘failing’!). That little change in mindset made a huge difference.

I started eating more mindfully, noticing when I was satisfied rather than stuffed, and enjoying every mouthful. I loved the flexibility of the healthy eating plan. One of my favourite meals is fish, chips and mushy peas – all homemade, air-fried and delicious!

Learn more about Slimming World’s healthy eating plan

I also made some amazing friends, including a lady called Sue. We quickly became each other’s cheerleader – we’d exchange tips about eating out (things like looking up menus in advance and making smarter choices). I’m naturally competitive, so seeing her do well spurred me on.

As the pounds came off, I felt ready to start becoming more active. At first, I struggled to get through a workout video – but I stuck with it. I moved on to outdoor walks and eventually joined the gym. Now I train four times a week, working different muscle groups – and I feel strong, toned and more confident than I have in years.

We’ll help you to gradually build up your fitness through our activity support programme

By May 2024 – (less than a year after rejoining!) – I’d lost 4st (25.4kg) and hit my target weight.

In the past, short-term fixes had never worked. But the support, encouragement and care I found in my Slimming World group helped me create lasting healthy habits, which are now part of everyday life – not only for me, but for my whole family, too.

The changes go way beyond the number on the scales. I’ve reshaped my career, becoming a fractional chief marketing officer – a role that gives me the freedom to focus on my health and my passions.

Shopping is fun again, and I don’t hide from cameras any more. In fact, Lauryn recently showed me a video from a family event and said, ‘Mum, you look great’. I squinted and asked, ‘Where am I?’. I genuinely didn’t recognise myself – it was surreal!

The best bit, though, is how much more fun family life feels. The other day, Lauryn, my partner CJ, and his grandkids, Amelia and Jack, took me to an inflatables theme park. ‘Come on, you two – let’s bounce!’ I shouted to the kids, and before long we were all in a giggling heap. Whether we’re ice skating or kicking a football around the park, I can keep up with their endless energy now.

I know Vinny would be proud. I’m not just lighter – I’m living life to the full again. And this time, it’s for good.

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