A marvellous mum was proud to be labelled a “loser” after shedding eight stones to scoop a wonderful weight-loss award.
Linda McKendrick, from Coatbridge, turned to her local Slimming World group as she suffered “severe pain in both knees and at times could barely walk”.
And the super slimmer kept it in the family as the group at Calder Parish Church hall is run by her daughter-in-law Stacey.
Linda’s remarkable transformation has seen her win the group’s Greatest Loser accolade, as well as her confidence “sky rocket” as she is “forever thankful” that she joined Slimming World.
Linda said: “I have always been overweight, from a baby to an adult.
“I’m terrible for comfort and binge eating and I would lose weight then put double on, which spiralled more comfort eating and weight gain.
“I’d tried every diet and every slimming club and nothing worked for me, and the slightest gain or maintaining of weight resulted in me saying ‘stuff this’.
“During Covid my weight spiralled. I got severe pain in both knees and at times could barely walk. I was constantly breathless and so low in mood.
“Stacey told me she was going to a Slimming World club in January 2023 and I thought, ‘OK, I’ll go’, but my heart wasn’t in it as I was so low and depressed.
“But I loved the plan. It suited me and the weight started to come off.
“Staying with the group really helped me. I met some great people, learned new tips and foods and enjoyed the laughs.
“As the weight started to disappear, so did my knee pain and breathlessness.
“I am now eight stones lighter and more confident thanks to walking through the Slimming World door.
“It is a tremendous honour to receive the group’s Greatest Loser award and I can’t thank Stacey and my fellow members enough for their support.”
Consultant Stacey added: “Linda is just a star. She hasn’t been a member of my group for that long but has been so inspiring since she joined us.
“We both joined the same Slimming World group back in 2023 and Linda helps me out every week with my group.
“She is such a worthy winner of our Greatest Loser award.
“If you would love to learn how Linda changed her life, come and join us this or any other week.”
Stacey’s Slimming World group takes place in Calder Parish Church hall, on Bute Street, on Thursdays at 9.30am and 11am and Saturdays at 8am and 9.30am; call her on 07533 764697 for more information.
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