Susan and Holly’s shared Slimming World journey improved their health, confidence and mother-daughter bond for life. And now, they’re our Two Together 2026 title winners! We asked them about their inspiring transformation...

Susan: I’d struggled with my weight for around 36 years. It gradually crept on after having children and, like so many busy parents, I put my family first and my own health last. I tried different ways to lose weight over the years, but nothing ever felt sustainable. I’d always feel like I was missing out, which made it hard to stick with.

Holly: Even as a child I was rarely a ‘healthy’ weight. But things became more challenging later on, when I was prescribed steroids to manage my severe asthma. Alongside other health issues, it made losing weight feel almost impossible.

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Susan: It had a huge impact on my work as a childminder. Simple things like walking the children to school or kneeling down to play with them became really difficult. I’d feel out of breath and in pain, and I couldn’t properly join in with activities. It affected my family life, too – I couldn’t be as active as I wanted with my children and grandchildren, and that was incredibly hard.

Holly: For me, it affected everything – physically and emotionally. I used to be a hairdresser, and the strain on my knees while I worked was intense. I was also very self-conscious about my size and felt judged. My health had deteriorated to the point where I was taking more than 20 tablets every day.

Susan: There were a couple of big moments. On holiday in New York, I needed to run for a train, and I got so out of breath that the people I was with had to pull me along. I felt so embarrassed. Then, when we were climbing the Statue of Liberty, I was the last to reach the top, completely exhausted. That was when I realised I didn’t want to feel held back any longer.

Holly: Mine came after a series of health scares. During Covid, I developed a serious chest infection that turned into pneumonia. I ended up spending four weeks in hospital on a Covid-positive ward in a side room, even though I didn’t have the disease myself. It was a frightening experience, especially as my family weren’t able to visit me while I was there.

But the biggest trigger was when I fell and badly injured my knee. I was told I needed surgery – but couldn’t have it because of my weight. That was when it really hit me that something had to change.

Susan: I was referred by my nurse through the Slimming World on Referral scheme, which gave me 12 weeks free – the perfect encouragement to get started. From my very first group, I felt welcomed and supported. As soon as I began to see results and realised how flexible the plan was, I knew this was something different and I completely fell in love with it. 

Holly: I joined because of Mum. Watching her lose weight and gain confidence gave me hope that I could do it, too. Walking into group was scary, but that feeling disappeared straight away. On that first visit, someone said, ‘We’re all here for the same reason,’ and that really stayed with me.

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Holly: Before Slimming World, our diet was all about convenience – takeaways, processed foods and very little fruit or veg. Nothing was really planned...

Susan: Now, everything’s different. With the ideas and support we’ve got from Slimming World, we plan healthy meals, cook from scratch and eat satisfying food. Food Optimising doesn’t feel like a diet – it’s just how we live now.

Holly: We’ve learned that we don’t have to cut things out – when you’re Food Optimising, you can still enjoy treats, but in a balanced way, without guilt. It feels sustainable – something we can continue for life.

Susan: Our Consultant, Michelle, was always there with encouragement and belief – even during difficult weeks. She helped me believe in myself when I doubted it most.

Our group is such a positive, uplifting environment. We all celebrate each other’s successes, share ideas and lift each other through the more challenging times. It made me realise I was never alone on this journey.

Holly: The support and expertise I got from our group made a huge difference. Being surrounded by people who truly understand keeps you going. Their encouragement helped us stay focused, pick ourselves up after tough weeks, and keep moving forward until we reached our goals.

Even now, at target, staying connected to our Slimming World group each week keeps us focused and accountable. The support from our Consultant and fellow members remains just as important as ever. It also helps us stay mindful of the habits that helped us reach our target in the first place. 

Susan: That’s been the most special part. We’ve been there for each other through everything – the good weeks and the difficult ones. What started as a bit of healthy competition between mother and daughter soon became a powerful support system.

Holly: There were times when the scales didn’t show the results we wanted, but we kept each other going. If one of us felt disheartened, the other would lift us back up.

Susan: It’s completely transformed it. I can move easily, play with the children I look after and my grandchildren, and I’m no longer in pain. My confidence has grown so much, too. I feel proud of what I’ve achieved.

Holly: Losing weight with Slimming World has been life-changing for me. I was able to have my knee surgery, which has given me back my mobility. My health has improved more than I’d ever imagined – I no longer have asthma, and I feel stronger and happier.

Susan: I never thought I’d enjoy being active, but thanks to Slimming World's active lifestyle programme and the encouragement in group, I started small and built it up gradually. Now I walk on my treadmill most evenings while I watch TV. It fits into my routine and makes such a difference.

Holly: I swim three times a week now and I’ve even done a 16-mile sponsored swim. It’s amazing to think how far I’ve come – things that once seemed impossible now feel achievable.

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Susan: Holidays are more enjoyable, and I don’t worry about how I look any more. I feel like I’m living life fully again. 

Holly: Clothes shopping is completely different – I can walk into stores and find things I love. But more importantly, I feel confident and excited about my future.

Susan: This journey with Slimming World has given me back my health and happiness – and doing it with Holly has made it even more special.

Holly: It’s strengthened our bond in a way I can’t really put into words. We’ve supported each other every step of the way, and I don’t think we could have done it without each other.

Slimming World hasn’t just helped us lose weight – it’s changed our lives. And doing it together has made all the difference.

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