I can’t remember a time in my life that I have not been overweight. As a child I was always the largest kid in the class, which made me the subject of playground teasing.

Before joining Slimming World, I tried to lose weight without much success. I would lose a stone here and there but soon put it back on. At the time I did not think being overweight was affecting my life but looking back now I can see that it had a huge impact.

My husband Tim found our local Slimming World group, and although unsure about joining myself, I went along with him thinking he would need my support. It was the best decision we have ever made.

I embraced a new way of eating, following Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan, and now no longer take medication for blood pressure or am in the pre-diabetic range.

Before joining Slimming World I struggled to walk any distance without stopping for a rest and a sit down. I would sit at a desk all day and then on the sofa once I got home. There was very little movement as I just did not have the energy or willingness to exercise. Soon after joining though I started walking as part of Slimming World’s Body Magic physical activity programme.

Tim started running, and although the thought of doing it was terrifying, I slowly built up the courage and was soon walking 5K with ease and running grew from there.

I believe Cancer Research UK is a very worthwhile charity and is close to a lot of people’s hearts - my husband's mum fought a long hard battle with cancer, and she always wished for Tim and I to take care of our health.

Tim and I will be joining this incredibly inspiring and dedicated team of Slimming World Members and Consultants, to celebrate our weight loss achievements by running the 2022 London Marathon on Sunday 2nd October. We will be raising money for two incredible charities Cancer Research UK and the Irish Cancer Society through Slimming World's own charity SMILES.