Hollie is raising money for Cancer Research UK by taking part in The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw – and by fulfilling her dream of running the London Marathon! Her life-changing 6st 13lbs (44kg) weight loss made it all possible, and now she’s spreading the word about the charity that’s close to her heart. 

I’d been overweight for as long as I could remember, and promised myself that when I hit a size 16, I’d lose weight – but it never happened. When lockdown ended, I was at my heaviest ever and wearing a size 22-24.

During lockdown, there was so little to do that eating and drinking became ways to fill my time. I’d spend money on food without thinking about what it was doing to my bank balance or my body. I didn’t walk anywhere, and I’d eat whatever I fancied – it was easier to pay for a takeaway each Friday night than to cook.

Discover two great ways to join Slimming World

Being overweight meant I couldn’t wear the clothes I liked. I always tried to dress nicely, but I had to choose things because they fitted me rather than because they were I actually wanted to wear, and that affected my confidence. 

I knew I needed to make a change and take control of my weight to feel more confident. When my friend Emma decided to join our local Slimming World group, I told her I’d come along ‘to lose a few pounds’, so we joined the Thursday evening group together. 

I was nervous before going to group for the first time – I’d tried Slimming World before, but only ever online, as I was too scared to sit in a room and face the scales each week. I didn’t have anything to worry about, though – my Consultant put me at ease straight away and I knew immediately that I’d made the right decision.

I was amazed by Food Optimising – I never felt restricted or like I was on a diet. I love making slimming-friendly versions of my favourite meals, like lasagne and roast dinners, and cooking delicious Indian fakeaways. And I can still go out for dinner with my family and meet friends for coffee, too – I just make savvy swaps to protect my weight loss.

Before joining Slimming World, I hardly ever exercised. I’d make excuses, saying I didn’t have the time and I didn’t want to buy new activewear. When I found out more about Body Magic, though, I realised I could start at my own pace – with activities I enjoyed – rather than jumping in at the deep end. 

Find out how Slimming World will support you to get active

I also discovered that my local run club was supporting people who wanted to get into running by following the Couch to 5K programme. It sounded like my cup of tea and, as I started to build my distance and stamina, it turned into an activity I loved.

Now, I’m about to achieve my goal of completing the London Marathon! I’ll be running in aid of Cancer Research UK, a charity very close to my heart. In 2023, at the age of 36, my cousin was diagnosed with an incurable form of blood cancer. It’s a type that’s very rare in people under 40, and it affected his spine. He now uses a wheelchair, but seeing how far he’s come is incredibly inspiring – he now has a car and some independence again. I want to do everything I can to help such an important charity support families like mine.

Nowadays, I’ve got the confidence to wear the clothes I’d only ever looked at in the shops. It’s such a great feeling! I’ve donated my old items to Cancer Research UK as part of The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw – and I’m aiming to raise awareness of how maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can improve people’s health and help reduce the risk of developing 13 different types of cancer. 

Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.