Westbury man loses to become a winner!

Colin Kirkham before and after his weight loss

Being the best at losing wouldn’t normally help you to scoop an award – yet one man from Westbury has done just that after being named Slimming World’s ‘Man of the Year 2018’ in his local Slimming World Group.

During his time at Slimming World, Colin Kirkham has lost a life-changing seven and a half stone to take the title of ‘Man of the Year 2018, which was awarded to him at his local Friday morning Slimming World group.

“I’m thrilled” said Colin. “I look so different that people who I haven’t seen for a while often can’t believe I’m the same person. For me though it’s the change on the inside that’s been the greatest – I’m happier, healthier and much more confident now”.

“My weight impacted on so many aspects of my life, from struggling to find clothes that fit, to not being able to do simple everyday tasks without feeling tired and out of breath. Before I lost the weight I hated having my photo taken and whenever I saw pictures of myself I knew that my smile wasn’t real – yet now I’m beaming!”

Before he joined, Colin’s weight was also putting a huge strain on his health. “I wasn’t feeling well at all and after seeing the nurse at work she sent me home to seek immediate help from my doctor. I was diagnosed with critically high blood pressure. I had constant headaches, breathlessness and suffered with sleep apnea. I knew I couldn’t carry on the way I was. It gave me a real fright and I joined the group that week!”

In November 2017, Colin decided to think about increasing his activity levels, so he took the plunge and signed up for a 3km run. “I had never run before…not ever!” he explained.  “Slowly I increased the amount of time and distance and was amazed how much more energy I had and found a new love for life. I look better and my health concerns have gone. I’m now thrilled to say I have completed my first 10k and looking to run my first half marathon in September and a full marathon by the end of 2020!”

Paula Wood, who runs the Slimming World group says, “The changes we’ve seen in Colin are incredible. I hope his success will inspire other people in Westbury who’d like to lose weight by forming new lifestyle habits and become happier and healthier to take the plunge and come and join us. There’s a warm welcome, no embarrassment, no humiliation, just care and encouragement in the group,”