‘Why I’m feeling FAB in my 60s’
With a milestone birthday on the horizon, Reverend June Cockburn was determined to start her next decade with a new energy. Here’s how Slimming World helped her reach her happy weight – and make it stick!
Reverend June Cockburn, 62, lives in Leeds, West Yorkshire, with her husband, Eric. They have three grown-up children, Leon, Reanne and Sarah
Height: 5ft 6ins
Starting weight: 14st 10½lbs
Weight now: 12st 11lbs WEIGHT LOST: 1ST 13½LbS June is a member of Yvonne Wood’s Slimming World group
My husband, Eric, was watching TV when I suddenly announced: ‘I’ve just decided something. I will not be sad, sick and 60.’ He turned his gaze to me, clearly sensing that this conversation was going to require his full attention. Eric nodded, smiled and said: ‘I love you as you are, but if you’re unhappy, then it’s a good time to do something about it.’
It was just what I needed to hear from my ever-supportive husband, because I had little doubt my weight had been adding to my health problems. Recently, I’d been prescribed strong painkillers to cope with arthritis in my hips. A physiotherapist had told me that exercise and losing weight would help – but how? So on the eve of my 59th birthday in September 2021, I rejoined Slimming World for the third time. This time will be different, I thought. The first time I’d tried to lose weight back in 2013, I hadn’t been in the right headspace.
I went back the next year far more motivated – this time, though, my best intentions were derailed by a devastating blow when my sister, Yvonne, died at the age of 50 from cancer. It seemed so unjust that she should be taken so young. I felt her loss desperately and I still do to this day. Overwhelmed with grief, I found myself seeking comfort in food.
I spent a little time choosing my group for my fresh start. As a vicar in a suburban parish, with pastoral responsibilities in the local community, I felt it would be easier to go to a group where people didn’t know me. So, I found one in Birstall run by a Consultant called Yvonne. It caught my eye because she had the same Christian name as my sister. Looking back, it feels like God played a hand in helping me choose, because Yvonne turned out to be just the person I needed.
In my line of work, I’ve become very used to people turning to me for support and guidance in times of need, and I wasn’t used to being the one looking for it. Now, on top of my community through church, my group became a place where I could lean on the strength and support of others – a place of no judgement, that felt like a second family.
At home I did all the cooking, so Eric wasn’t allowed to opt out – we always ate together. As a pescetarian and with Eric being vegetarian, I found a wealth of recipes that suited both of us. An early favourite was a simple but delicious chickpea curry. In my first week, I lost 2lbs, and consistently lost weight week after week.
My two girls were thrilled that I was starting to see results. Reanne, in particular, loved getting active. ‘You’re doing so well, Mum,’ she said. ‘Have you thought about doing some exercise? You used to swim, didn’t you?’
I was delighted to find that, as long as I stuck with front crawl, I could swim without any pain in my hips. It boosted my motivation and weight loss. I gradually built up my stamina to the point where I could do 40 lengths three or four times a week.
By the time my 60th birthday came around – a year and a day after I rejoined Slimming World – I felt fitter and happier than I’d ever imagined. By the following December, I’d hit my target and felt really good.
The parishioners at church were among the first to take in the new me and were full of kind words and praise, which made me feel like a million dollars. I’ve recently had both my hips replaced and I’m raring to take on life once I’ve thrown away the crutches – it feels great to be 62, sizzling and sexy!