I started putting on weight when I was about seven. Most of my meals came from tins or takeaways – things like canned mac and cheese, Chinese food, fish and chips – with crisps, biscuits and chocolate filling the gaps.

As a family we weren’t great at talking about feelings, so when I was bullied at school, it was food I turned to for comfort. I’d buy bags of sweets and raid the fridge for cheese or anything else I could find.

When my parents split up and Mum left, I stayed with Dad. He struggled to talk about what had happened, and I spent most of my time shut away in my room, feeling anxious, sad and increasingly alone.

By 24, I was more than 19st (120.7kg) and too big to fit comfortably in the bath. I wanted to hide away from the world and couldn’t even bear to look at myself in the mirror. It felt like I didn’t want to be reminded that I existed.

With my confidence at rock bottom, I went to the doctor in desperation and was prescribed Orlistat – a drug that stops fat from being absorbed by excreting it from the body. The side effects were horrible. At the same time, I forced myself into a brutal routine: one 900‑calorie meal a day and three home workouts. I lost 5st (31.8kg) – but when I stopped, the weight went straight back on, plus some more.

My ‘failure’ to lose weight, as I saw it, only damaged my self-respect even further. I fell into a pattern of people-pleasing behaviour that included staying in an unhappy relationship for over a decade. My health deteriorated, too: high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, prediabetes, plantar fasciitis. My GP suggested more drugs or weight loss surgery, but neither felt right.

Then came the heartbreak. In 2020, my dad was diagnosed with cancer and he died not long afterwards. Eighteen months later, I was hospitalised with pneumonia. As I lay coughing up blood, I could see in the doctors’ faces that they didn’t think I’d make it. Part of me wondered if that might be for the best. Somehow, though, a little voice inside was telling me not to give up, and, very slowly, I began to recover.

My turning point came on an ordinary day. As I stepped off a bus, my ankle gave way and I fell in a heap. The kindly driver rushed to help me while strangers just stared… I could have wept.

Back home, I remembered a conversation I’d had with my sister, Leanne, before Dad died. ‘Come with me to Slimming World,’ she’d said. ‘It’s made such a difference to me. I know it would work for you.’

I’d been too scared to go back then. But now I knew I had to do something before it was too late.

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At my first group, I sat huddled in a corner feeling terrified – and sceptical, too. I was convinced this would be another ‘diet’ I’d fail at.

Everyone was so lovely, though, especially the Consultant, Ella. A couple of ladies helping her out as part of the social team were quick to make me feel better: ‘You’re going to like it here,’ one of them said, giving my arm a squeeze. ‘I think you’ll do well.’ When the scales showed 22st 5lbs (142kg), Ella didn’t flinch.

Looking through my member book, I couldn’t believe the generous portions and delicious recipes I could have. Surely I can’t eat all this and lose weight?  But I could – and I did.

I stocked up on fresh fruit and veg, lean meat, low‑fat dairy and 1 cal spray. I loved experimenting in the kitchen, especially with Slimming World’s Ultimate Curry cookbook – the chicken dhansak recipe became my favourite. The weight began to come off steadily, and I’d never eaten so well.

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Within four months, I’d lost 3st (19kg). My hips no longer felt like cement and I could walk without pain. I took it easy at first, just five minutes here and there, gradually progressing until I could keep walking for miles.

Then, in June 2023, along with Leanne and some of the other members from group, I completed a 5K Race for Life event. I didn’t run it – but I took part. And that meant everything.

Soon after I got my 5st award, I went to my cousin Lee’s wedding, wearing a dress for the first time in years. Family members didn’t recognise me. For the first time in my life, I actually felt good about myself.

When my weight loss stalled, I shared my worries with my group, knowing they’d understand. Ella suggested keeping a food diary, and together we realised I’d stopped measuring my Healthy Extras and wasn’t including enough Speed Free Food in my meals. Once I fixed that, the pounds started coming off again.

I embraced Slimming World’s active lifestyle programme and earned my Platinum activity award for making exercise a natural part of my life. In June 2025, I completed two Race for Life events in one day – a 5K and a 10K – running more than walking and loving every minute.

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When I reached my target weight in September 2025, I’d lost 12st 2lbs (77.1kg) – basically a whole other person! 

Following the Slim for Life plan helped me stay at target, but I’d been overweight for so long, it was taking my head a while to catch up with my new body. As a result, I’d often reach for clothes that were several sizes too big. Over time, I adapted to my ‘new normal’, and one very important part of that was going to group every week, which I could now do for free. As well as keeping me accountable, I loved seeing everyone’s faces and celebrating their wins along the way. 

While it’s amazing to fit into size-8 clothes now, my weight loss means so much more than a dress size. My high blood pressure, plantar fasciitis and prediabetes are things of the past, my osteoarthritis no longer gives me pain, and I’ve gone from hardly being able to walk to running. 

My next goal is completing the National Three Peaks Challenge with my cousin Lee, which will see me climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in quick succession!

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I even said yes to going to the theatre again – something I’d avoided for years because my size made me feel too self-conscious. Seeing the Tina Turner musical with Leanne was such a blast, singing and remembering the shows we used to go to with our nan when we were kids.

Today, I’m stronger – both physically and mentally – than I’ve ever been. Whether I’m relaxing in the (now very roomy!) bath, or running outdoors and breathing in the fresh air, I never take a moment for granted.

Now, when I think back to the old Sherri, it’s with nothing but compassion. She was so brave. Despite how low she felt, she took that first step to save herself. She walked, so I could run.

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