Northampton grandfather goes from being unable to cut his own toenails to running weight-loss group

For Stuart Silk from Northampton, the real motivation for staying healthy after a lifetime of struggling with his weight came when his son got engaged.

The 57-year-old grandfather and father-of-three from Upton was at his heaviest at 24 stone and most unhealthy in 2013.

The McDonald's employee had tried 'every diet known to man' since he was 14 but had never been able to keep the pounds off.

“I have spent most of my adult life dieting and yoyoing up and down, my blood pressure was high, I struggled to cut my own toenails, and shopping for clothes was a nightmare," he said.

"Then my son told me he was getting married and I just knew something needed to be different, I wanted to feel great for those all important photos.”

Stuart knew he had to change so he tried by eating healthier and joining a gym, which brought some success but the weight would not stay off after events like holidays and Christmas.

With only six months to go until the wedding, he joined a Slimming World group in Hunsbury without much knowledge of what to expect.

“Like many people I didn’t know what to expect walking through those doors, especially being a man," he said.

"But I didn’t need to worry as my consultant was so welcoming and put me at ease.

"She talked me through the plan and I was surprised to hear that I could eat unlimited lean meat, rice, pasta and potatoes.

"I did think to myself how am I going to eat all this and lose weight!”

Stuart did not need to worry though as he surprised himself to lose 10lbs in his first week.

"It was so different to other things I’d tried previously, but most importantly that great start really motivated me for the following week," he said.

With the support, encouragement and ideas from group, Stuart went on to lose three stone in 12 weeks and reached his target weight of 14.5 stone in time for his son's big day.

Two years on Stuart, who has worked for McDonald's for nearly 40 years, has kept his weight down and will be taking over a Slimming World group in Upton next month.

"I have been so inspired I am about to start my own Slimming World group so I can help others who may have been struggling with their weight," he said.

"With the current Covid situation losing weight might not only make you feel better about yourself, but also help your health now and in the future.

"I am looking forward to keeping healthy and helping others by supporting them in their own journey.”

Stuart said Slimming World group sessions were not the same during the coronavirus lockdown over Zoom than face-to-face meetings which have returned in line with guidelines.

Groups are limited to 30 people, booking is mandatory and everyone is spaced two-metres apart but one of the biggest differences is that shoes have to worn during the weigh-ins.

Stuart will be starting his group at St Crispin Social Club on Berrywood Road, Upton, on Monday, October 5. For more information, call him on 07944 946619.