I’ve battled with my weight for as long as I can remember, trying every diet imaginable. I’d lose a bit of weight and feel a flicker of success, only to be floored by how restrictive it was. Eventually I’d cave, slipping back into old habits, and I’d put it back on – often with a few extra pounds as a cruel bonus. I felt stuck in a cycle I couldn’t break. 

After I gave birth to my daughter, Matilda, in 2020, I tried to lose weight again, but between the chaos of lockdown and the reality of being a first-time mum, I struggled to prioritise myself. Later that year, my husband Darryl and I were excited to find out I was pregnant again. But that joy was shattered when we lost our baby. The grief was unbearable. 

I tried to escape the pain – literally – by throwing myself into running, desperate for an outlet. But then came a painful ankle injury, and with it, the loss of the one thing that helped me cope. I turned to baking and eating instead, trying to distract myself from the heartbreak. That’s when the weight really began to pile on.

In late 2021, I became pregnant again, but our joy was quickly overshadowed by fear. After losing our precious baby, I was constantly on edge, terrified that history would repeat itself. 

Then, at seven months pregnant, I started bleeding and was rushed to hospital, where I was placed on complete bedrest. I was suddenly separated from my little girl, who was just two, and I’d never spent a night away from her. The worry for our unborn baby – plus the ache of missing Matilda, Darryl, and my stepson, Archie – meant it all felt unbearable. I leaned even harder on food. Puddings with every meal, treats from family to lift my spirits… food was the only comfort I had during that long, lonely month in hospital waiting for a C-section.

When our beautiful baby boy, Stanley, arrived safely, we were beyond grateful. But being a busy mum meant I was right at the bottom of my own priority list. That first year of Stanley’s life was a blur of nappies, night feeds and cuddles – and I indulged in every cake, takeaway and excuse to stay in my maternity clothes. 

The final straw came on Stanley’s first birthday. We’d gone on a trip to a farm, and what should’ve been such a lovely day left me feeling utterly broken. I struggled to get around the farm, feeling out of breath and unsteady on my feet. My boots felt painfully tight, and I could only just squeeze through the gates. I insisted on carrying Stanley in the baby carrier – not just for convenience, but because it hid my body. I couldn’t get on and off the straw bales without Darryl pulling me up.

When we got home, I looked through the photos we’d taken – and I cried. I deleted most of them, keeping only a few. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. That wasn’t me. Or at least, it wasn’t who I wanted to be any more.

Right then and there, I went on the Slimming World website and found my local group, and the very next day I walked through those doors. That moment changed my life in ways I’d never have thought possible.

Any nerves I had about joining were quickly put to rest at my Consultant Amanda’s group. The support I got from both Amanda and the other members each week was invaluable – I felt like I had my own team of cheerleaders! I was also discovering a lot about myself.

Watch what happens in a Slimming World group

Slimming World became my anchor – my constant. From the moment I signed up, I made a promise to myself: I would go to group every single week, no matter what. And I did. Stanley came with me in his pushchair, clapping everyone as they received their awards and cheering me on when it was my turn. It became our little ritual, something special we shared. Having him there beside me was a weekly reminder of why I was doing this – not just for me, but for him, his sister and his brother, too.

Going to group each week helped me identify why I’d struggled to stick to the plan in the past, and Amanda guided me to focus on the healthier habits I wanted to build. Over time, they became part of my routine – like planning my meals for the week ahead and setting myself a new activity goal each month.

Before joining Slimming World, I had an unhealthy relationship with food. I’d rely on whatever was quick and convenient – like shop-bought pizzas and chips – and would snack on sweets and chocolate throughout the day. Over time, though, the support in group helped me shift my mindset. I stopped labelling food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and started focusing on having a balanced diet, as nothing is off-limits with Food Optimising.

Roast dinners are a favourite in our house – cooking them for my family brings me so much joy. They’ve always been Matilda’s favourite, and now Stanley loves them, too. Every celebration seems to end with us gathered around the table enjoying a roast. And the best part? I can make the full spread – roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, gravy – all perfectly Food Optimised!

I also love Slimming World Kitchen boxes. I usually pick recipes I haven’t tried before to keep me inspired. They’re a lifesaver when I’m solo parenting, as they help make sure I’m fuelled and excited about my mealtimes. And when we’re just back from a holiday, they take the stress out of meal planning. 

Before I joined Slimming World, I wasn’t exercising at all. I was too scared after my ankle injury, and felt too unfit to even consider it. As I started losing weight, though, simple things that once felt like a chore (like walking up the stairs) became easier. 

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

I began walking every day, and set myself goals to go further each week. I soon got my Silver activity award. When I reached my target weight in April 2024, I started doing home workouts, fitting them in around the chaos of mum life – and I’ve since earned my Platinum award! Now exercise is just part of my daily routine, and I’m enjoying seeing the changes in my body and my strength. I’ve even started running again, and recently completed a 5K Race for Life with other Slimming World members and Consultants where I live.

Losing 8st hasn’t just changed my body; it’s transformed my entire life. I can run after my children without getting tired or out of breath. I have the energy to plan family adventures and actually enjoy them. I don’t get stuck coming down the slide at soft play any more, and I don’t delete photos of myself with the kids. I say yes to so much more than I ever did before!

We’ve just come back from the most amazing holiday, where I wore a swimsuit around the pool without feeling self-conscious, and I didn’t worry about the seat belt on the plane. I felt incredible – confident, happy and healthy the entire time.

Slimming World isn’t a diet – it’s a lifeline, a community and a place where I started to believe in myself again. This journey has changed my life. I’m stronger, happier and more confident than I’ve ever been.

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