Couple lose 10st and gain pounds for cancer charity
Slimline Alison and Stevie raise cash
A Croftfoot couple who have lost almost 10 stones in weight between them were among a group of slimmers who stepped up their activity routines to raise vital cash for Cancer Research UK.
Alison Graham tipped the scales at 17st 3lbs back in 2015 and her weight was affecting her health – that’s when she decided to take action by joining Slimming World.
And seeing how quickly his wife’s excess weight was coming off, husband Stevie started to follow the same eating plan and managed to get his weight down from 19 stones to around 15.
Spurred on by his initial success, the Scotrail project manager signed up to join Alison at the same Slimming World group two years ago – and now weighs a slimline 12st 10lbs.
The couple were among a group of slimmers who were sponsored to up their daily step count, and recently completed the 5k Walk All Over Cancer with Slimming World event, which they rounded off with a celebratory lap of Overton Park.
The event aimed to raise awareness of the links between keeping a healthy weight and reducing the risk of cancer.
Stevie, 54, says he couldn’t run for a bus before losing weight. Yet, he walked a minimum of 10,000 steps a day throughout September and completed the entire 5K event distance.
He said: “Before losing weight, anything remotely active was my idea of a nightmare. I don’t drive, so Alison had to drive me everywhere and I made excuses if anyone planned anything I might need to wear trainers for – even putting the bins out, climbing stairs, walking a few hundred yards felt like a struggle.
“As the weight dropped off, my confidence rocketed and I have so much more energy.
“The eating plan means I can fill up on lots of tasty everyday meals – I never feel hungry or deprived and I can still enjoy my favourite things, like a glass of wine, a beer or a bar of chocolate– just in moderation, now.”
Stevie continued: “Before I lost the weight, a group fitness event like this would have been unimaginable. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to try the distance let alone have lots of people seeing me in sportswear!
“I’m a new person now. I’m happier, healthier, more confident and so excited about the future.
“Completing this walk with all of my Slimming World friends has been the cherry on top of my weight-loss journey.”
Due to her weight loss, Alison was able to have a hip replacement operation two years ago to ease symptoms of arthritis - and that gave her a new lease of life.
Stevie and 57-year-old Alison – who is also down to 12st 10lbs – regularly collect food and toiletries from the group’s members and donate them to the local food bank.
Weight loss consultant and 5K event organiser Linda Parrott couldn’t praise the efforts of her King’s Park Slimming World group enough.
“I’m so proud of all of my members who set themselves the challenge of walking more this August and September,” said Linda.
“I’m sure they will inspire more people to get active and improve their health, while also helping raising awareness of the links between obesity and cancer.
“The money raised will go towards an amazing cause – helping to support Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research.”
For more information about the King’s Park Slimming World group or their Walk All Over Cancer campaign contact Linda on 07730349212 or pop along to the group which is held every Thursday at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm at The Montford function suite 23-27 Curtis Avenue.