It’s the London Marathon on Sunday 27th April, and as that colourful crowd of runners streams over the capital’s iconic Tower Bridge, you might just spot some of our amazing Slimming World team.
These inspirational members will be running as part of the Slimming World team, raising funds for our charitable foundation, SMILES, and our charity partners, Cancer Research UK, the Irish Cancer Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Craig Stokes, 43, has lost 11st 5½lbs (72kg) with Slimming World, and will be running to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
“I’ve struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember, and was bullied for being overweight at school. I’ve always been a yo-yo dieter, but I can rarely recall ever getting to a weight that I was comfortable with. I’m a comfort eater, and I rely on food to make me feel better.
At my highest weight – 23st 3½lbs (147kg) – I was suffering with sleep apnoea, and this made every night unbearable for me and my partner Tamsin. At times I’d stop breathing, which was really scary – and I don’t know how she ever put up with my snoring! Every morning, I’d wake up more tired than when I went to bed, and I’d regularly fall asleep in team meetings at work. As a sports fan, knowing that I couldn’t take part in any of the things I loved impacted my mental health.
There were a few factors that contributed to my decision to lose weight, such as not being able to look at photos of myself and not being able to walk my dog without getting out of breath. One moment that stands out, though, is when I was invited to my nephew’s stag do at Thorpe Park, in Surrey. As an adrenaline junkie, I was so excited for the trip, and I hadn’t really considered the barriers that weighing more than 20st could cause. After we’d queued for one of the main roller coasters, Stealth, I sat down in my seat and couldn’t get the shoulder restraint down. Two members of staff tried to help, but it just wouldn’t secure. They had to release everyone’s seat restraints, and then I had to get off and walk past everyone in the queue. I’d never felt such shame or embarrassment in my life, and it made me realise I needed to do something about it.
I’d been a Slimming World member in the past, and lost 7st before completing a sponsored walk for charity. However, I stopped going to group and reverted to my old unhealthy eating habits, so I put the weight back on – and then some. When I rejoined Slimming World in January 2023, my mindset was different. I didn’t want to lose weight for an upcoming event, I wanted to transform my health and lifestyle for good.
My Consultant, Beckie, and my fellow group members have played an incredibly important part in my weight loss journey. They provide invaluable support on the weeks I need it most and celebrate with me when I hit key milestones. I now weigh 11st 12lbs (75kg) and, with the support of my group, I’ll be maintaining this weight for good!
Before joining Slimming World, I relied on takeaways and shop-bought meal deals to get me through the day. Now I cook from scratch, enjoying my favourite meals like chilli and pizza-topped chicken with chips and salad. And I use the lunch bowls from the Slimming World Free Food range if I’m on the go.
Despite my love of sport, I wasn’t active at all before I joined Slimming World – I struggled to walk the dog around the block without being in significant pain. I started following Slimming World’s physical activity programme, Body Magic, to build up my walking stamina. I progressed from short walks to tackling long walks with ease – and then I began running. I soon started attending Parkrun and entering running events, always chasing a personal best. Running’s now part of my weekly routine, and I’m thrilled to be doing the London Marathon as one of the Slimming World 2025 team.
I’ll be running for Cancer Research UK, in memory of my dad, who sadly passed away last year. I completed Race for Life in 2024 and raised more than £1,000 – and I’m keen to take any opportunity to raise further funds for them, given the importance of the work they do.”
Craig attends the Queen’s Park Slimming World group in Bournemouth, run by Consultant Beckie Roberjot.
You can find Craig’s fundraising page here.
If you’re feeling inspired to give running a go, you’ll find a step-by-step training plan on our exclusive member website and app. Start today and you could join us running Race for Life this summer!
