Washington former nurse, 83, loses four stone after retiring and being forced to stay at home due to covid pandemic

Marie Gallagher, who has lived in Washington for over 50 years, was inspired by others to join Slimming World in early 2020.

Marie, who is a retired nurse, was working as a community carer supporting families and those on end-of-life care, but gave up work and was forced to stay at home as her age put her in the shielding category.

Since starting on Slimming World has lost 3st 9lbs, despite being forced to stay at home for most of the year due to the pandemic.

“I was really determined when I joined Slimming world because I was just so depressed and down with my frumpy look. I was struggling to get around and had a lot of back pain and spasms too so I was determined to make it work,” she said.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and was really inspired by other people in the group.”

When she started her weight loss journey, Marie weighed almost 15st and suffered from back pain due to her weight.

After being inspired by watching her nieces lose weight with Slimming World, Marie was keen to get involved and improve herself, despite her age.

Marie encouraged anyone who wants to lose weight to consider Slimming World and put her success down to sticking to plan and support from others in her group.

The tech-savvy 83-year-old embraced virtual classes during the pandemic, but admitted she can’t wait to get back to in-person classes.

“The virtual groups were really helpful every week and I couldn’t have done this without the support of the other group members,” she said.

“It’ll be lovely to go back in person and see everyone’s faces. It’s so nice to meet up in group and the members have all become my friends.”

Helen Jobling, who runs the Glebe Slimming World classes which Marie attends, said: “I could not be prouder of Marie achieving her target.

“She is an integral part of our Slimming World family and true inspiration to new members, proving age is but a number and the Pandemic is no barrier.”

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