Brierfield woman loses 5.5 stones in weight

For now, Gwen feels young, and has a zest for life thanks to a new-found confidence, but only two-and-a-half years ago, it was a different story.

“It was a family day out at the seaside which was the turning point”, explains Gwen (49) of Taylor Street, Brierfield. “When I saw that photograph of myself, I felt so low – I knew that I had to do something about my weight – and fast!”

“I felt so guilty and ashamed that I’d allowed myself to get into such a mess. It was affecting so many areas of my life but I just didn’t know where to start, how to begin changing my life for the better. It felt like such an uphill struggle and an impossible challenge.”

Gwen’s daughter was already a member of Slimming World, and after a bit of coaxing from her and a lot of soul-searching and self-doubt, Gwen finally plucked up the courage to return to her Slimming World group, as she remembered she had lost weight there before.

“I knew I’d feel safe there, but nevertheless, it was still a nervous experience walking in through the doors on that first week,” said Gwen. “I didn’t want to let my daughter down, and I was worried about people judging me, and about what they might say.”

However, the nerves soon evaporated. Gwen said: “It was a real eye-opener – not what you think a slimming group will be like. There was such an atmosphere of fun and support and my Consultant Janet made me feel so welcome and at ease that I felt that I fitted in right from the outset, which was such a relief. After just that one session, I felt totally back in control.”

So much more confident is Gwen these days, she’s taken the plunge and decided to open a Slimming World group herself at St John’s Methodist Church, Colne on Saturday mornings.

For more information, call Gwen on 07783 414157, or just come along.