Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Inspiring others to a new life
John shed four stones but still attends Slimming World group he describes as “like family”
A glittering example of weight loss at its finest saw a Coatbridge man scoop a fitting reward for his hard work.
John Crooks turned to his local Slimming World group after suffering issues with his knees and hips that left him out of breath when playing with his grandchildren.
The 65- year- old joined his wife Roseann at the organisation’s group based in The Time Capsule in May 2016 – and managed to shed four stones in his first nine months.
Equally impressively, John has managed to keep the weight off ever since and his sustained success saw him awarded diamond member status.
The title is awarded to the group’s “most inspirational member who has lost weight and maintained their new shape” – as voted on by John’s fellow slimmers.
A thrilled John said: “Like a lot of people, I just thought that the pain and lack of energy was due to my age and feeling a bit overweight.
“I thought that losing weight would mean I’d be starving and wouldn’t be able to enjoy a beer ever again.
“Slimming World is completely different because it was just so simple. I could still enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals with my family while losing weight, which seemed like a miracle at the time. I was never feeling hungry and irritable – nowadays I probably eat more than ever!
“With Slimming World, the support that I needed was there from day one, both from my consultant Jennifer [Stevens] and the other members in the group.
“I picked up new ideas and recipes every week – and still do now – and started to really believe that I could do it.”
John continues to attend the Time Capsule Slimming World group and believes without their unwavering support he would have struggled to keep the weight off.
He added: “I’ve made so many friends that I can’t imagine not going to the group each week – they’re like family. Everyone inspired and supported me to achieve my target and now it’s my turn to do the same for other people, to show the same kindness, warmth and compassion that I was shown.”
Jennifer Stevens, consultant at the Slimming World group John attends, said: “I’m so proud of John and the inspirational way in which he’s maintained his weight loss.
“It’s always great for new members to meet John and see just what’s possible at Slimming World – after we’ve explained why someone so slim is in the group in the first place!
“I hope he inspires other people in Monklands and proves to them that with Slimming World you really can get slim for good.”
For further details about Jennifer’s Slimming World group, which meets every Thursday at 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm or 7.30pm, call her on 07761 476364 or visit www.slimmingworld. co.uk
I was never feeling hungry and irritable – nowadays I probably eat more than ever!