From a size 24 to scaling Cheddar Gorge – Denise’s remarkable weight-loss journey
When Chester-le-Street resident Denise Gordan walked through the doors of Slimming World on January 2, 2019, she was, in her own words, “feeling very low and overweight.”
At 17st 5lb with a BMI of 41.5, Denise knew something had to change.
“I was a size 24 and suffering with rheumatoid arthritis,” she explains
“I knew I had to lose weight for my health, so I made a New Year’s resolution to do something about it.”
Despite feeling nervous about joining, Denise says the warmth of the welcome at her local group put her immediately at ease.
She said: “I was very nervous about joining but the welcome I got put me at ease.
"Over the years I really enjoyed coming to group every week. I made lots of friends which I’m still friends with today, and I never miss group unless I’m on holiday!”
Her dedication paid off. Denise lost 4 stone and saw her health improve dramatically.
Denise said: “I was feeling great about myself and my rheumatoid arthritis was much better too.”
But then came the pandemic.
“Covid came along and Slimming World groups had to be cancelled… with only Zoom meetings, it just wasn’t the same as seeing everyone in person," she added.
"I lost motivation and put a stone back on, even though I kept going because I knew if I didn’t, I’d put all my weight back on.”
Despite challenges – including months without a permanent consultant – Denise kept attending.
But it was not until January 2025, when the group welcomed brand-new Slimming World Consultant Andrea, that the magic returned.
“Andrea has got the class buzzing again,” said Denise.
“Everyone has their motivation back and everyone is losing weight — including myself!
"Our group now feels like a social night out with friends, with loads of support from everyone.”
With renewed energy, Denise’s weight loss surged forward. She now weighs 12st 10lb, with a BMI of 30.4, and has lost an incredible 4st 9lb in total.
One of Denise’s proudest moments was reaching a milestone she once thought impossible: “I was so proud the day I walked up all the steps to the top of Cheddar Gorge — something I would never have been able to do before losing the weight.
“I’ve had a tough year with a couple of health scares, but I’m continuing to lose weight with the support from group and from Andrea.”
She adds that behind the scenes, Andrea has provided incredible support — always checking she was OK.
Now, Denise says she feels healthier, more confident and genuinely happier in herself.
She’s also deeply grateful for the decision she made six years ago to walk through the doors of her local Slimming World group.
She said: “Slimming World groups are so friendly and welcoming and give you loads of support from everyone to achieve your goals — all whilst eating real food and never feeling hungry.”
From struggling to climb stairs to conquering Cheddar Gorge, Denise’s story shows what can be achieved with the right support, a positive mindset, and a community that cheers you on.