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.
Wayne Wilson, 52, has lost 2st 7lbs (16kg) with Slimming World, and will be running to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
“I noticed I’d started to put weight on during lockdown. My previous active job meant that I was able to eat as much as I wanted without worrying about my weight. This changed when I was promoted to a more office-based role, and I spent my days sitting down.
I used to avoid doing anything that involved physical activity. When work held its annual football tournament, I would always go in goal so I wouldn’t have to run around. I didn’t like going out and I could tell that my clothes were getting tighter. I started wearing oversized things and was very self-conscious about how I looked.
I knew I had to make a change after a friend arrived at the pub one day and said, ‘Wow, Wayne, you are fat!’. I knew he didn’t mean to hurt me, but I couldn’t let go of what he said.
I was going through a difficult time as I’d found out my mam had cancer. She needed an operation but had to lose weight first. We joined Slimming World together and, even though I told myself I was doing it to support her, I wanted to do it for myself, too.
Finding out about Slimming World’s physical activity support programme was a real eye-opener for me. Understanding that you didn’t have to be a sportsperson to be physically active changed my perspective completely. I realised I needed to move more in everyday life – even just walking to the shop instead of taking the car counted as being physically active! I felt empowered by making small changes and seeing (and feeling!) the results.
I knew I wanted to try Couch to 5K, so I mentioned it in group and was encouraged by my fellow members and my Consultant to give it a go. I got about 400 metres out the door when I started to feel physically sick and like my chest was going to explode. I walked back home deflated. When I went back to group and told them what happened, though, they praised me for trying and I was lifted again! I set myself a new target and worked towards that. Three weeks later, I felt ready to give running another go, and was more successful. I loved that feeling of achievement and it kept me motivated.
The Slimming World eating plan is really generous and helped to fuel my runs – I could lose weight without going hungry! I regularly stock up on the Slimming World lunch pots from Iceland as an easy midday option, and I’ve swapped my takeaway orders for home-cooked meals.
Losing weight and being more active has had such a positive effect on my health. I used to take my inhaler for asthma in the morning and in the evening, and I had to carry one with me every day, just in case. Now, I don’t use my inhaler and no longer have asthma symptoms.
Slimming World has changed my life in so many ways. I couldn’t have lost weight without the help and support of my group, which is why I decided to become a Slimming World Consultant myself. I want to give back and change even more lives.
I’m running the London Marathon in aid of Cancer Research UK and in memory of my mam who, although she lost three stone and was able to have the operation, sadly passed away in 2022. Joining Slimming World meant we got to spend more time together, which I will be forever thankful for. I want to keep raising money for Cancer Research UK because I want there to be a time when cancer doesn’t exist anymore, so people don’t have to experience the pain it causes.”
Wayne runs his own Slimming World groups in Tyne and Wear.
You can find Wayne’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!
Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.