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.
Jenny Buckley, 42, has lost 4st 3½lbs with Slimming World, and will be running to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society.
“I started putting on weight after having my first child in 2008. Not long after that, I started my own deli business, and life got extremely busy! I often turned to takeaways, convenience foods and quick snacks to get me through the day.
My weight made me feel uncomfortable in my clothes and I’d dress to hide myself. As I got bigger, I stopped going out and socialising with friends because I didn’t see the point in spending ages getting ready and still feeling unhappy.
Another upsetting thing for me was that I couldn’t play with my two children in the way I’d always thought I would. I took them to the park, but I’d sit on the bench watching them play rather than joining in with them. I also stopped letting anyone take my photo. Now, I regret not having pictures of the kids and me together when they were little.
The final straw was when I got engaged to my husband. I decided enough was enough – I felt that if I didn’t take control of my weight for my wedding, then I never would. I couldn’t hide from photos on my wedding day, and I didn’t want to.
I joined Slimming World and immediately knew it was a step in the right direction. The atmosphere in group was – and is – always so welcoming and judgement-free. I found the healthy eating plan easy to follow and the recipes really tasty. I don’t rely on takeaways any more, and make my own fakeaways to enjoy. Chicken curry is a favourite!
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Slimming World has helped me to change my mindset around activity, too. I used to exercise sporadically, committing for a week here and there, then giving up. The Body Magic activity support programme was the first way of exercising that felt achievable to me. I realised that I didn’t have to do intense workouts straight away and instead built up my stamina up over time. Now I love to run, and I play Gaelic football with a local group, which is a lot of fun.
In a few weeks’ time, I’ll be running the London Marathon, which is something I’d never have believed I could achieve! I’m so excited and honoured to take on the challenge. I’m running in aid of the Irish Cancer Society as part of Slimming World’s team. My family, like so many others, has been impacted by cancer. It’s such a worthy cause, and being able to give back is a privilege. I feel so lucky to be able to do this for them.”
Jenny is now a Slimming World Consultant and runs her own groups in Waterford and Kilkenny.
You can find Jenny’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!