In 2022, Damian, his husband Graham, and his mother-in-law Correena decided it was time for a change. With a family holiday on the horizon, they set themselves a goal to lose a few stone and feel more confident in their clothes. What began as a short-term goal quickly turned into a life-changing journey.
“Together, we joined Slimming World as a family,” Damian explains. “We went every week, stayed to group for Image Therapy, and found so much strength in the support of our Consultant and each other.”
By the time their holiday rolled around, they had already achieved incredible results. But they didn’t stop there.
From Holidays to Health
“As much as we were proud of what we’d achieved for the trip, we realised it wasn’t just about that one event,” Damian says. “It was about being healthier for the long term. Especially for me—I’m a dad to four amazing children, including two boys with additional needs, and one with complex, lifelong medical conditions. I knew I had to be in the best health possible to support them for years to come.”
Damian went from barely cooking to becoming a confident, food-savvy home chef. “I had to learn everything from scratch. I used my Slimming World books constantly and picked up recipe ideas from other members. And you know what? It worked.”
A Combined Loss of Over 18 Stone
Today, Damian has lost seven stone. Graham has lost six and a half stone, and Correena has shed an incredible five stone. More than just a number on the scales, it's a whole new lifestyle. “The best thing is—it’s not a diet,” Damian shares. “It’s a new way of eating. Nothing is off the table, and you don’t have to give up the things you love. You’re in control, and you learn how to enjoy your food while still achieving your goals.”
Becoming a Consultant: Giving Back Through Support
Now, he has trained as a Consultant for Slimming World, the UK and Ireland’s largest group-based weight loss organisation, at their national training academy in Derbyshire. Members at the group are getting ready to welcome Damian as their new Consultant when he takes over the group on Thursday 29th May.
He says: “When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started. After completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target”.
“Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost 7 stone without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own Consultant and group. As someone who has lost weight myself, I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight. Setting targets, sharing recipes and other ideas, and working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success is so important to a successful journey. That’s why, at my Slimming World group, there’ll be tons of support, encouragement and fun.
“Before joining Slimming World, I’d tried so many different ways to lose weight, but I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate. I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different. I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you’re never hungry and so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.”
“Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too. Our Body Magic physical activity support programme helps members build activity into their daily routine at their own pace. Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car.”
This week, Damian launches his very own Slimming World group in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, and he’s inviting anyone ready to take that first step to join him at The Ashwood Centre, Portland Street, Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottingham, NG17 7AB with sessions held on Thursdays at 5.30pm and 7.00pm and you can contact him on 07471 067561 if you would like any more information.
Or: visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.
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Come just as you are—it’s never too late to find your “why” and Damian will be there every step of the way to support you, celebrate your wins, and help you change your life.