Throughout 2014 we’ve shared some inspirational stories from Slimming World members. Here are just a few of them:
January
Aisling Lawlor, from Bray, Co Wicklow, told how she’d lost 3st following Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan.
Losing weight boosted the student’s confidence at college and when out with friends. She loved that she didn’t have to miss out with Slimming World.
The 21-year-old said: “I can still go out for a few drinks with my friends and have that bar of chocolate that I love.”
February
A family wedding changed everything for 42-year-old Anne Harper, from Longford. After an unpleasant shopping trip to find an outfit for the big day, Anne pledged to lose weight and shed 4st and dropped six dress sizes.
She said: “Before when I had the weight on I was so unhappy as I love clothes and fashion but nothing fitted me and I didn’t go anywhere to wear anything nice. Now I feel I am me again.”
March
Jenny Bellew lost an incredible 10st 9lbs in 18 months.
The 41-year-old, from Drogheda, Co Louth, had been in and out of hospital and found slimming down made a huge difference.
She said: “I have lots more energy. I jump out of bed on a morning. I realise now that before I was just existing. Now I am out there living my life properly and enjoying every minute.”
April
When nurse Michelle Connell started losing weight she had no idea it would lead to a new hobby.
While shedding 3st with Slimming World the 35-year-old discovered a love of running and completed the London Marathon to raise money for the Marie Keating Foundation.
She said: “I work with patients who are going through the cancer journey so I know the Foundation educates and supports patients and their families. Raising money through Slimming World was a great way to give something back.”
May
As her weight impacted on her health Bridget Barcoe feared she would die young like her own mother. She had high blood pressure, diabetes and struggled to walk.
Within eight months at Slimming World she lost 5st and transformed her health, no longer needing any medication.
She said: “My doctor told me that this time last year he felt I only had a year of life but I’ve really improved my health by losing weight.”
June
Caoimhe O’Shaughnessy, from Celbridge, Co Kildare, was a finalist in Slimming World’s Young Slimmer of the Year 2014 competition.
The pastry chef lost 5st 9lbs and dropped to a size 10 in time for her 21st birthday. She said: “At Slimming World the support is there for you no matter what your age.
“I feel a million times better now – I am a completely different person.”
July
Super slimming sisters Ann O’Sullivan and Bernie Bennis changed their lives by dropping 11st between them in a year.
Their consultant Elizabeth Anderson was extremely proud of the sisters. She said: “Since I opened the Ennis group in July last year our members have lost more than 1,000st. It’s amazing!”
September
Claire Reynolds gained weight after turning to food for comfort during difficult times.
The 39-year old joined her local Slimming World group in Glasnevin after the death of her father and has since lost 5st. She said: “Having support from my consultant Dan, who has been through his own weight loss journey, is really inspiring, especially when you’re going through a difficult time.
“My mum became quite sick and I found it hard to stay on track, but Dan and the other members helped me through.”
Claire will be representing Slimming World when she runs the London Marathon for the Marie Keating Foundation next year.
October
Mum-of-two Stacey Tuite was a stunning slim bride with a brilliant beaming smile after dropping nearly 4st for her big day.
The 27-year-old said: “I bought my wedding dress a few sizes too small and I wanted to focus on getting into that. When the day came and I fitted into my beautiful dress I felt amazing and was really happy.”
November
Brianan McEnteggart, 31, lost 20st 5lbs to become Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2014.
She joined Slimming World after being warned by her doctor that she could be just 18 months away from a heart attack and might not live to see her 30th birthday.
She said: “I honestly believe that if it wasn’t for my Slimming World group I wouldn’t be alive today. I would be six-foot under and my parents would be visiting my grave. My doctor is over the moon and so am I. I feel like I’m finally starring in my own fairytale. These past three years have been the best years of my life and I can’t wait for everything that’s still to come.”
December
Shauna McKinley used to dread shopping but after losing almost 4st she’s looking forward to wearing the perfect Christmas party dress.
The 33-year-old hid herself away in baggy outfits but with the help of Slimming World, she has discovered a new-found love for fashion.
Shauna said: “I used to run into the shops and then run out again. Now you can’t get me out of them.”
