Two Yarmouth men transformed after combined 19 stone loss

As retirement loomed, 62-year-old Paul Edwards knew he had to make a change to enjoy his golden years.

Weighing 21 stone and being diagnosed with pre-diabetes, Mr Edwards enrolled at Kellie Sparkes' Slimming World group at Newtown Methodist Church on Caister Road after qualifying for a 12-week referral scheme with Norfolk County Council.

Paul Edwards wanted to make a lifestyle before he reached retirement. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)Losing 8lbs in his first week, Mr Edwards knew he was on the right path to a healthier life. A little over seven months later, he reached his 14-stone target, and his signs of pre-diabetes have gone away.

Mr Edwards said: “At work a few weeks ago, I greeted an area manager who hadn’t seen me for about a year – he had to do a double-take to check it was really me. 

"I feel so much better. I can get out walking and enjoying my free time so much easier. I’ve even bought a bicycle.”

Paul Edwards after reaching his 7-stone weight loss target. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)Fellow group member Matt Thomson had lost a staggering 12 stone after struggling to keep up with his family. The 44-year-old dad joined Slimming World in 2021, weighing 25 stone.

Over the next 20 months, Mr Thomson persevered and reached his 13-stone target. And now, the father-of-two is celebrating his sustained weight loss, becoming a Diamond Target Member having stayed with the group as part of Slimming World's Slim for Life maintenance programme.

Matt Thomson before his weight-loss transformation. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)Mr Thomson said: "I lost 8lbs my first week and was so impressed, how with a few easy swaps, I could eat such a wide range of foods every day.

"I have an active young family and can now keep up with them so much easier than before.

"There’s never any humiliation if you’ve had a tricky week and faced a gain on the scales, just support to get right back on track for the coming week."

Matt Thompson lost 12 stone with Slimming World. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)Ms Sparkes' Slimming World group is held at Newtown Methodist Church every Thursday at 5.30pm and 7pm.

For more information, call Ms Sparkes on 07780 001 570 or visit ‘Great Yarmouth Slimming World with Kellie' on Facebook.