Mansfield woman hopes to 'help others' with slimming journey after seven-stone weight loss

Alison Walker, from Mansfield, started her weight loss journey in June 2022 and has since lost seven-stone in 14 months.

She said it was after a holiday with her husband, which involved “lots of walking” – leaving her “out of breath”, “tired all the time” and “hurt all over”, that caused her to consider weight loss as a solution.

She explained: “We were heading to Rotterdam in May 2022, and we were also flying which would be another first for me – I was very nervous.

“I didn’t think the seat belt would fasten, but it did with a push.”

Alison, who was a size 24 – weighing 18 stone, five pounds, said the holiday was “fantastic” but it was regularly “struggling to walk” that made her decide to “take the plunge” and join the Bolsover slimming world group upon her return.

Alison also praised her husband for his support with her weight loss journey.

She said: “He has always loved me for who I am – not what size I was.

“But this was my decision for a better and healthier me.”

Alison felt “welcomed” by the Bolsover group but said she ended up moving to the Shirebrook group as her friend could no longer attend with her.

She said she decided on a target weight of 12 stone which was reached in under 12 months with a total loss of six stone and seven pounds, which left her feeling “full of energy.”

Alison then went down to 11 stone after a few weeks, losing just over 7 stone in 14 months.

She said: “Our amazing group members nominated me for ‘Slimming World Woman of the Year 2023’ and was lucky enough to win in our group, it was such an overwhelming experience.”

Alison, who said the key to weight loss is not just dieting – but a “lifestyle change”, will be relaunching the Shirebrook group on Wednesday, November 1 at 5.30pm and 7pm at The Holy Trinity Church Hall, Church Drive.

She said: “I do believe I can help other members achieve the same targets by being a consultant.”

Those interested in joining the group can contact Alison by calling 07778 974326 and emailing [email protected]