I wanted to be more active

part of my grandson’s life and gain a level of fitness to make life easier. I was almost 23-stone, a size 50in trousers, and a size four xl top – not a healthy place to be.

“My partner Cathy was trying to lose weight to help with her health, and I decided that I would take her to the weekly WW workshop at St Bridget’s church hall in Baillieston. I thought that by driving her she would make her weekly workshop, and in turn lose the weight she needed.

“I decided to come into the workshop with her to give morale support in the workshop, and then surprised her by deciding to join.

“Cathy stopped attending due to a few different issues, but I had started my journey, and decided that I was going to continue.”

John signed up for the club’s Freestyle points-based plan and says the support of others was key to his weight-loss success.

He said: “The Freestyle plan allows me to decide what I want to eat and gives the flexibility to vary what I eat whether at home or when out. From the start I was warmly welcomed by the coach Michelle Friel, and the rest of the group in Baillieston.

“I had always played golf and it’s only now eight stone lighter, that I realise how much I was struggling.

“My GP has now also told me that I no longer require that possible surgery, and that’s amazing news to hear and makes the whole journey worthwhile.

“I started my journey in January this year and have hit my goal weight in 11 months.

“An amazing early Christmas present to myself, and what a feeling.” said: “It’s not until your family faces such a frightening situation that you fully appreciate the hard work and dedication of medical staff, and of the scientists who are trying to find new treatments and cures.”