15/06/2026
This is one of our newest target members and her story.
If you would like to join our Winklebury group and start your journey come and join us Saturday 7.30am, 9am or 10.30am at the Sycamore Halls Association ❤️
I joined Jo's Winklebury SW group at the end of November 2025. A photo taken at my Dance class a few days before had prompted me - I couldn't believe how awful I looked. I felt so ashamed and embarrassed, in fact so embarrassed that I didn't even show the photo to my partner.
I'd tried for years to lose weight, to no avail. I'd been on the 5:2 diet, Rosemary Conley, the Hay Diet, to name a few. My attempts at losing weight had been cutting out potatoes, rice and pasta - all the things I can eat with SW!
I think the real problem started after June 2022 when I'd fractured my knee and couldn't exercise as normal. This was when my weight started to creep up. I continued with my twice weekly seated pilates and, over the months, I gradually built up the walking distances. Early in 2025 I joined a Dance class, going twice a week. However, none of this exercise really shifted the weight and, after the photo, I realised that I needed to do something else to help.
I looked up the details for local SW groups, called Jo and asked if I could join the Saturday Winklebury group. She was very welcoming over the 'phone and gave me a few details of what the group was about. My first visit was a bit daunting as I didn't quite know what to expect. However, I needn't have worried. Jo and the other members were so kind and friendly.
As each week went by and my jeans did up without me having to breathe in, I was inspired to keep going. It also helped when other members were sharing their successes. Another motivation was being 'Slimmer of the Week' for two weeks running.
I was thrilled to be losing weight, eating a balanced diet and more food than I'd ever eaten! On 23rd May, 2026 I reached my target weight of 9.1/2 stone, having lost 25 pounds. I'm over the moon and feel so much more confident.
I could never have done this without the help and encouragement of Jo, Simone and the other SW members. Now that I'm a Target Member I will continue with the Food Optimising and go to the group sessions every so often. I'm determined that I won't put the weight back on.
Thank you everyone at SW.
