As she approaches her first anniversary in January 2026, Andrea reflects on the privilege of supporting many members to achieve weight‑loss awards, activity milestones, and personal victories.
One of those members is 36‑year‑old Joanne Cook, a married mum of two whose story embodies the spirit of Slimming World.
Joanne joined in March weighing 11st 11lbs, with a BMI of 26.5. Today she weighs 10st 1lb, has shed 1st 10lbs, and her BMI is a healthy 22.7.
Joanne began 2025 “in total chaos” With her house mid‑extension and no kitchen, meals were dominated by fast food.
“It was McDonald’s for lunch, Indian takeaways for tea, and beige picnics for the kids in‑between,” she recalls.
With Benjamin, aged four, and Lucy, aged one, she worried about setting bad habits but felt too overwhelmed to change.
She added: “I wasn’t putting myself first, I couldn’t find time to exercise, and every Saturday my husband pushed both kids around parkrun while I stayed home, dreading Benjamin’s question, ‘Why doesn’t mammy come running with us?’.”
Joanne had tried Slimming World before, usually as a quick fix. But this time felt different.
She said: “I had baby weight to lose, confidence to rebuild, and wedding rings that no longer fitted. I wore them on a necklace and promised myself that would change.”
When the house was finished in March, Joanne joined Slimming World with her mam.
“From day one, Andrea and the friendly group made me feel excited instead of intimidated,” she explains.
“I went back to basics: Frylight instead of oil, passata instead of jars, simple swaps and proper meals. That first week I lost 3lbs. The second week, 4.5lbs and achieved my half‑stone award. I was buzzing.”
Her confidence grew week by week. She began Couch to 5K, determined to join her family at parkrun.
With her husband cheering her on, Joanne rediscovered cooking in her new kitchen — spaghetti Bolognese, curries, stews — meals that worked for her plan, her gluten‑free husband, and her picky kids.
“Family meals were back, and so were healthier habits,” she said.
Not every week was perfect.
She added: “I’ve had gains, frustrations, and slow patches. But each time, my group lifted me up and kept me going.”
The results speak for themselves: a parkrun personal best of 31 minutes, gym sessions two or three times a week, and entry into a 10K obstacle run next summer.
Most importantly, Joanne’s confidence has returned.
“Not only do my wedding rings fit again… so does the dress,” she said.
She sums up her journey with a striking metaphor: “They say flamingos lose their pink when caring for their young, only for the colour to return as they regain themselves.
"With Andrea, my mam, my husband, and my Slimming World group behind me, I feel like I’ve finally got my pink back.”
Andrea says stories like Joanne’s are what make her role so rewarding: “The most fantastic achievements in group are when members reach their personal target.
"It’s an amazing moment, and I’m proud to be part of it every time.”