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.
Kelly Davies, 38, has lost 7st 13lbs (50kg) with Slimming World, and will be running to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
“I was the largest I’d been after having my second child in 2017. I tried various weight loss methods but never seemed to have any success. Then, in October 2019, my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and I hit rock bottom. My relationship with food started to spiral out of control.
Being overweight stopped me from enjoying doing things with my kids. I couldn’t run around after them and struggled to play with them as I was always so tired. During a trip to Legoland in 2022, my youngest child wanted to go on a ride where she had to be accompanied by an adult. I was mortified to find that I couldn’t get the lap bar to secure because of my size. I had to get off and swap places with my husband – I felt so ashamed and knew then that I needed to lose weight for good.
Motivated to make a change, I joined my local Slimming World group and everyone there has been so supportive of my journey from day one. Learning about the eating plan, Food Optimising, showed me that I can cook delicious meals that the whole family will love – while losing weight.
I also discovered Slimming World’s physical activity support programme, Body Magic, and exercise gradually became something I enjoyed. I started by setting myself small goals which I slowly built up, and I now exercise most days of the week! I love running, walking, cycling, swimming and strength training at the gym. Every success I’ve had – whether it’s been weight loss-related or a personal best in my running – has been celebrated by my Slimming World group. Some of my fellow members have even supported me on race days!
Now I’ve lost nearly 8st and have seen amazing improvements in my health. I have lymphoedema, which previously caused a number of cellulitis infections. Since losing weight, the swelling in my legs has reduced by 60% and I’ve only had one cellulitis flare-up.
I’m so proud to be part of the Slimming World 2025 London Marathon team, running for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Both my grandad and my uncle are living with Alzheimer’s, so I am incredibly passionate about doing all we can to find a cure.”
Kelly attends the Newport Slimming World group in Gwent, run by Consultant Lisa Norris.
You can find Kelly’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!