A TAMESIDE woman who once found it difficult to walk long distances has gone on to complete a marathon, after transforming her health and confidence through Slimming World.
At her heaviest, Sonia weighed 17 stone and found even everyday activities exhausting.
“I couldn’t run a mile,” she recalls. “Even going for a walk with Peter, my husband, meant stopping, catching my breath on a bench, and then pushing myself to carry on.”
With constant aches in her hips and low confidence, the idea of joining a gym felt impossible. But determined to make a change, Sonia began her journey at home, gradually building healthier habits.
Everything changed when she moved to Manchester and joined her local Slimming World group in Dane Bank, led by consultant Sarah Fleming.
“That was the turning point,” she said. “I discovered Food Optimising and Body Magic, and for the first time, I felt supported. My confidence grew, and the weight began to come off again.”
Over time, Sonia reached her target weight and although she’s currently just nine pounds away from returning to her goal of 9st 7lbs, she’s confident she’ll get there again.
What she never imagined, however, was that she’d grow to love fitness so much. In 2023, Sonia achieved something she once thought impossible – completing her first marathon, finishing in five hours and 37 minutes.
“I was over the moon,” she said. “My goal was anything under six hours, and I did it!”
Since then, she’s gone on to complete 12 10k races, seven half-marathons, and one full marathon.
“Body Magic has completely transformed my life,” Sonia added. “I went from being embarrassed to exercise in public to running events I never dreamed I’d have the confidence to enter. Slimming World hasn’t just helped me lose weight – it’s given me belief in myself and a future filled with possibility.”
Sonia now continues to inspire others through her Slimming World group in Dane Bank, where she shares her story to encourage others to take their first steps toward a healthier, happier life.
Find your local Slimming World group at www.slimmingworld.co.uk