In 1986, I suffered a serious back injury which gradually got worse and in 1996 I suffered serious degradation of my spine discs, forcing me to have to retire. Immobility followed 8 months bedridden, and my weight increased dramatically.

My wife Maria died suddenly at the age of 49 and my weight went up even more. The delayed shock of Maria’s death took effect, and I was soon on anti-depressants together with increasing amounts of painkillers and whisky I used to numb the growing pain.

I was diagnosed with high blood pressure; serious sleep apnoea; and arthritis in my knees. However my weight gain continued.

By late 2014, I was unable to walk so I had to use wheelchairs to move about.  I used a full face mask and CPAP (Continuous Pressure Air Pump) every night to ensure I kept breathing. I was unable to go about normal daily activities that we all take for granted, such as walking, shopping, socialising and playing sports.  Whilst I could still drive, I couldn’t get into my car.  I ended up buying a bigger car which quickly also became too small for me, so had to change it again to an even bigger one to enable me to get in and out safely.

Going out and buying clothes was no longer an option, so I had to locate a specialised retailer online in order to buy my 6XL size clothes. I now weighed 168kilos (26.5 stone).  Socialising had long since stopped and any excuse was used to avoid it. A new disabled badge allowed me to use larger parking spaces and get near to places I visited – although normally I’d just sit in the car to avoid the logistical nightmare of getting out and back in again.

At the beginning of 2015, I was referred to a knee surgeon who told me that I had lost 2” in height as that my knees had lost all the cartilage due to my weight. This was causing the excessive pain and could only be resolved with both knees being replaced by artificial ones. The senior anaesthetist told me that I was far too heavy to undergo surgery under general anaesthetic and would only be eligible if I lost weight.

I knew now that I had to do something.

I had heard of Cambridge Weight Plan years ago, so went online and entered my details to ask for a Consultant to contact me. I started on plan in June 2015 and the early days saw some incredible weight loss which encouraged me to keep going.

As I lost the weight, my activity increased! I was able to walk again without the aid of a wheelchair.  Cambridge Weight Plan has opened up a whole new life for me – walking, shopping, socialising and enjoying life again. I am able to buy clothes from high street shops. I can enjoy my family, my grandchildren and play the sports I love.

My friends and family are amazed. It’s the most wonderful feeling.

Rate: 12 months *The weight lost and/or timeframes are particular to this slimmer. Everyone’s weight loss journey is unique to them.