I lost over 10st — and found a new life!
HeatHer Jackson, 33, is a baker and slimming World consultant who lives in alsager, cheshire. she is 5ft 4in and weighs 9st 11½ lb, having lost 10st 2lb at Julie Pugh’s slimming World group in sandbach, cheshire. Heather now runs groups in sandbach and nearby rode Heath.
WHILE I was getting ready to go to a wedding, I was so excited... until I sat on my bed and realised I couldn’t bend down to fasten my shoes.
I held my breath and stretched out my arms as far as I could, but I still couldn’t reach the buckle. Eventually, I had to ask my friend Jenny for help.
It took me right back to being seven years old, when I refused to be weighed in front of my classmates for a school project because I was too embarrassed about my size.
as I’d got bigger, I’d become even more self-conscious, making excuses to avoid shopping trips or walks in the countryside.
Watching Jenny buckle up my shoes, I realised my weight was also stopping me doing everyday things.
Jenny had lost weight with Slimming World, so I decided to join, too.
I stocked up on foods such as lean meat, potatoes, pasta and lots of fresh vegetables, and started working out which recipes I wanted to try.
Living on my own, I used to just grab whatever I fancied when I was in the supermarket.
Now, by planning ahead and making a shopping list, I was actually saving money on my weekly shop.
Working as a baker, I’d always loved cooking, so I really enjoyed making new, slimming versions of my favourite recipes, such as lasagne or chicken kiev with chips — and the pounds were steadily coming off.
Then my world was rocked when my mum, Lynn, became ill with terminal cancer. Even after that awful diagnosis, she insisted on knowing that I was sticking to the plan, keeping track of every pound I lost on her little blackboard.
When Mum passed away, I felt lost, but I knew she’d want me to keep going with my weight-loss journey.
as my weight continued to drop, my confidence increased, and I started planning activities that I’d always wanted to try, including go-karting, horse-riding and parasailing.
I was even asked to model at a vintage fashion show. With all eyes on me as I walked down the catwalk in a black lace frock, I felt more beautiful than I could ever remember.
I often think how proud Mum would be of me now. I’m living my life — and it feels amazing.