Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Weight loss is a life choice.. that’s the long and shorts of it
Mum’s award for losing one third of body weight
MANDY Burns has bagged herself a slimsize award after ditching more than a third of her body weight.
For years the 46-year-old’s weight issue had played havoc with her mental health, leaving her feeling depressed and suffering confidence issues.
But now, the mum of two is ready for new challenges and has even seen off the people who made her feel worthless.
Mandy said: “I was bullied for a year and eventually assaulted. I was so low that I started believing the comments about how ugly and fat I was.
“I suffered with depression and anxiety, which was so bad my eldest son left home. I knew I was the only one who could change how I was feeling both physically and mentally.”
Weighing 14 stone, Mandy found she was struggling with everyday tasks.
She said: “The anxiety meant sometimes I wouldn’t leave the house in case I had a panic attack.
“My knees were painful so I couldn’t walk far or kneel on them. I was letting my weight control my life.
“I decided to change for the better in 2016 after returning from a holiday in New York.
“I couldn’t get any clothes to fit me when I was on holiday and I was so disgusted with myself when I looked back on the photos showing my weight gain and the sadness I had in my life.
“When I got home, I joined the Larne Weslimtogther Community Group in April 2016. “Walking through those doors for the first time, I had instant hope I could change my life for the better. I was given so much support.”
Mandy, from Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, lost five stone and she said the positive changes in her life are immeasurable, and her family and friends have supported her every step of the way. In recognition of her success, Mandy won the Body & Mind Transformation Award on Saturday night at the We Slim Together Community Awards 2018.
The event celebrates the member who lost a life-changing amount of weight to change their physical appearance and their attitude towards themselves.
Mandy, who is mum to David, 25, and 18-year-old Cameron, said: “To anyone thinking of trying the WST Community, all I have to say is go for it.
“It’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I love that the community is united in without judgment or guilt.
“My only regret is that I didn’t find a group sooner.”
Mandy was one of 65 people who between them lost 226 stone with the WST Community teams here.
The weight management support group was formed by Sonya Mcallister who developed the idea while dropping from a dress size 26 to a 14.
She said: “Over the past five years our WST Community has grown so much and helped so many individuals.
“Our winners reflect the unique stories and journeys of all our members as they strive to live a healthier, happier life.”
CO ANTRIM YESTERDAY