A DETERMINED woman says she has a ‘new zest for life’ after losing five-and-a-half stone with Slimming World.
Gillian Laird found she was piling on the pounds due to steroid treatments but two years ago she decided to do something about it.
And after joining a Slimming World group, led by Lisa Hargreaves at Denton Labour Club, she is delighted with her achievements.
“In the summer of 2017 I was going to hospital for routine treatment as I suffer severe asthma and bronchitis so take a large dose of steroids every day,” Gillian explained.
“I spend a whole week in treatment in the hospital every seven to eight weeks for amiophline infusion another steroid based treatment.
“So that was my excuse for my weight gain. The condition also lead to an early retirement for me.
“I went along to one appointment and a patient said, ‘My God, you have put on some weight!’ This wasn’t the first time it was mentioned.
“It took a while to get over that comment as it really did hurt me. I noticed one of the nurses had lost some weight so I asked her how and she replied, ‘I joined Slimming World’.
“My daughter was also a member. I asked if I could come along to her group as I was petrified of what to expect.
“I joined Lisa’s group at Denton Labour Club. I was made very welcome by the whole group and Lisa, who also reassured me steroids shouldn’t stop me losing weight.
“In the first week I lost 4.5lb. My start weight was 16st 10.5lb. I am now a target member with a 5-and-a-half stone weight loss.
“I have never missed a group other than the weeks I have my treatment and the group nominated me for Woman of the Year, which I won.
“I took this award to show my doctor as he was always so proud.
“At group I am now the weigh lady and I love this job as it is very rewarding.
“I have a new zest for life, I can buy clothes in normal shops, I can also put my own socks on which I know many people will relate too.
“My husband and my family are very proud of me and have been a great support through this too.
“He loves to see how I am enjoying life again, and so he is very grateful for what Slimming World has done for me.”
• Lisa’s Slimming World group meets at Denton Labour Club, Ashton Road, Denton, on Tuesdays at 10am, 12pm, 5pm and 7pm. For more details, call Lisa: 07775 590668.
