Chesham nan loses over six stone after husband of 33 years passes away
By Robert Folker @RobertFolker Apprentice News Reporter
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A Chesham nan lost over six stone after her husband of 33 years passed away suddenly with heart failure.
In 2018 Lesley Viccars, 65, vowed to be healthier for her grandchildren following the "completely unexpected" loss.
Lesley revealed that she has struggled with her weight all her life even remembering being overweight as a child and struggling to keep up with her friends.
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She says since then her weight continued to "yo-yo despite the fact I tried more diets than I care to remember" but nothing worked long term.
Before and after Lesley's weightloss
Lesley said: "I noticed that I'd started to struggle to keep up with my grandchildren and I found it difficult to get down on the floor to play with them.
"I was desperate to do something, so I was quite excited when my daughter Leanne found a Slimming World group in Chesham.
"I work four days a week in a local DIY and gardening distribution centre in a telesales desk-based role so it can be a challenge to remain active throughout the day.
"Before joining Slimming World, I would eat a quick and often quite unhealthy lunch at my desk, continuing to answer calls through my lunchtime.
"Now that I have a better understanding of what my body needs, I take a healthy lunch into work which I eat in the staff canteen and most days I make sure I go for a walk to keep active.
"In October 2018 I lost my husband Phil to heart failure.
"It was completely unexpected, and it was at this time that I found that the support of my group extended so much further than swapping recipe ideas.
"With the group's help and support I managed to stay focused, continued coming to the group and steadily carried on losing weight during such a difficult time."
She says after losing over six stone she can now be "found running around with my granddaughter at the park"
She continued: "I now walk more than I've ever done and I'm keen to find a new exercise group.
I've gone from being a size 24 to a size 12 and I've lost 14 inches from my waist, going from a 46" waist to 32.
"I love being able to go into any clothes shop that I choose and it's great to be able to scour the sale rails with Leanne, searching for a bargain together.
"I feel confident enough now to try new styles and colours that I would have never felt able to wear before.
"Joining Slimming World has changed my life and my confidence has grown so much. It's been great finding a new lease of energy and being able to chase my grandchildren around the park. They love having a fun, fit Nana!"
Lesley's Slimming World consultant, Emily Finch, labelled her "an inspiration" after her journey with the group.
She said: "Lesley is a super star, she's always so positive and shares some fantastic ideas in group.
"Since joining she's made healthy lifelong changes – she's such an inspiration to me and the other members in group, she's always so encouraging to everyone!"