It’s the London Marathon on Sunday twenty seventh April, and as that vibrant crowd of runners streams over the capital’s iconic Tower Bridge, you would possibly simply spot a few of our wonderful Slimming World crew.
These inspirational members will probably be operating as a part of the Slimming World crew, elevating funds for our charitable basis, SMILES, and our charity companions, Most cancers Analysis UK, the Irish Most cancers Society and Alzheimer’s Analysis UK.
Craig Stokes, 43, has misplaced 11st 5½lbs (72kg) with Slimming World, and will probably be operating to lift cash for Most cancers Analysis UK.
“I’ve struggled with my weight for so long as I can keep in mind, and was bullied for being chubby in school. I’ve all the time been a yo-yo dieter, however I can hardly ever recall ever attending to a weight that I used to be snug with. I’m a consolation eater, and I depend on meals to make me really feel higher.
At my highest weight – 23st 3½lbs (147kg) – I used to be struggling with sleep apnoea, and this made each evening insufferable for me and my companion Tamsin. At occasions I’d cease respiratory, which was actually scary – and I don’t understand how she ever put up with my loud night breathing! Each morning, I’d get up extra drained than after I went to mattress, and I’d often go to sleep in crew conferences at work. As a sports activities fan, realizing that I couldn’t participate in any of the issues I beloved impacted my psychological well being.
There have been a couple of components that contributed to my choice to drop extra pounds, equivalent to not with the ability to have a look at images of myself and never with the ability to stroll my canine with out getting out of breath. One second that stands out, although, is after I was invited to my nephew’s stag do at Thorpe Park, in Surrey. As an adrenaline junkie, I used to be so excited for the journey, and I hadn’t actually thought-about the boundaries that weighing greater than 20st might trigger. After we’d queued for one of many major curler coasters, Stealth, I sat down in my seat and couldn’t get the shoulder restraint down. Two members of workers tried to assist, but it surely simply wouldn’t safe. They needed to launch everybody’s seat restraints, after which I needed to get off and stroll previous everybody within the queue. I’d by no means felt such disgrace or embarrassment in my life, and it made me realise I wanted to do one thing about it.
I’d been a Slimming World member prior to now, and misplaced 7st earlier than finishing a sponsored stroll for charity. Nevertheless, I finished going to group and reverted to my previous unhealthy consuming habits, so I put the burden again on – after which some. Once I rejoined Slimming World in January 2023, my mindset was completely different. I didn’t need to drop extra pounds for an upcoming occasion, I needed to rework my well being and way of life for good.
My Marketing consultant, Beckie, and my fellow group members have performed an extremely necessary half in my weight reduction journey. They supply invaluable help on the weeks I want it most and rejoice with me after I hit key milestones. I now weigh 11st 12lbs (75kg) and, with the help of my group, I’ll be sustaining this weight for good!
Earlier than becoming a member of Slimming World, I relied on takeaways and shop-bought meal offers to get me via the day. Now I cook dinner from scratch, having fun with my favorite meals like chilli and pizza-topped rooster with chips and salad. And I exploit the lunch bowls from the Slimming World Free Meals vary if I’m on the go.
Regardless of my love of sport, I wasn’t lively in any respect earlier than I joined Slimming World – I struggled to stroll the canine across the block with out being in important ache. I began following Slimming World’s bodily exercise programme, Physique Magic, to construct up my strolling stamina. I progressed from quick walks to tackling lengthy walks with ease – after which I started operating. I quickly began attending Parkrun and coming into operating occasions, all the time chasing a private finest. Operating’s now a part of my weekly routine, and I’m thrilled to be doing the London Marathon as one of many Slimming World 2025 crew.
I’ll be operating for Most cancers Analysis UK, in reminiscence of my dad, who sadly handed away final 12 months. I accomplished Race for Life in 2024 and raised greater than £1,000 – and I’m eager to take any alternative to lift additional funds for them, given the significance of the work they do.”
Craig attends the Queen’s Park Slimming World group in Bournemouth, run by Marketing consultant Beckie Roberjot.
You could find Craig’s fundraising web page right here.
In case you’re feeling impressed to provide operating a go, you’ll discover a step-by-step coaching plan on our unique member web site and app. Begin in the present day and you may be part of us operating Race for Life this summer season!
