I’m fitter than ever in my 50s
pose no problem
At over 17st, every day was starting to feel like an uphill struggle for Laura Wilson, who lives in Falkirk, Stirlingshire. Losing 6st 11½lbs has helped her rekindle a passion for cycling – and now she’s brought joy back into her life.
I’d loved cycling since childhood, and as a student nurse I biked to work every day. Once I’d qualified, it seemed harder to fit cycling around my irregular shifts, and then when, in time, I became a mum of five, too, my priorities changed completely. I knew I’d got into unhealthy eating habits, I was relying on takeaways instead of cooking.
With arthritis in my neck and spine, as my weight rose, the pain worsened. Working as a nurse became increasingly difficult and I ended up taking medical retirement.
Something had to change and I decided to join Slimming World. Welcomed in by the Consultant, Fraser, and the members at the group, my initial worries subsided. That first week I lost 7lbs and by the next week I’d got my one stone award!
As my neck and back pain eased, I started building up my cycling until I could manage 30 miles four times a week. Within a year, I’d lost 6st 11½lbs to reach my 10st 7lb target weight, and had gone from a size 24 to a 12.
When a last-minute place came up on the 185-mile Hebridean Way cycle ride, the thought of being with strangers didn’t faze me. Losing the weight has helped me find myself again, and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead!