In 2012, I joined Slimming World on the advice of the Stroke nurse at my surgery. It was necessary for me to lose weight after suffering a TIA. At the first meeting I was greeted with so much welcome it soon put me at my ease, a 74-year old among many much younger men and women! Slowly I lost weight and the following year I was voted the group’s Miss Slinky, much to my husband and my amusement!
Over the next few years I lost over six stone. I made many friends, age didn’t seem to matter. I joined in social and charity events, went walking regularly with a couple of buddies and was then able to share my knowledge and support to other members of my group.
The true spirit of the love I received from my group Consultant and my friends really came to the fore in 2018. Whilst in America visiting family, my eldest daughter suffered a devastating stroke caused by a blood clot from injured ankles after a fall. After 2 operations and 2 weeks in ICU her husband and family had the agonizing decision to turn off the life support. During this time, despite the time difference,my Group Consultant was ready with words of comfort and support on Messenger, as with friends sending messages too. Two months later my husband died from vascular dementia.
Throughout all this, beside my relations being there for me, my Slimming World family were there too. I could not have got through without them. And now with the Coronavirus causing so much havoc, there they are again! Getting my medication and weekly food supplies, so that my younger daughter doesn’t have to travel a long way to help me.
Face book and the internet are a lifeline. Facetime and Zoom enabling us to see each other and chat.
Although the last couple of years have been difficult for me, I’ve been lucky to have so much help and love shown to me. The events of today are bringing out the best in the majority of people and the wonderful caring spirit is returning to the British people. I do hope it continues in the most positive way for many years to come.
