Swansea slimmer set to hit milestone after losing over seven stone

On top of losing the huge amount of weight, Hannah Day, 35, is now representing Slimming World in their 17-strong official marathon team this April. The Slimming World members, consultants, and head office staff who all come from across different parts of the UK and Ireland have between them lost more than 105st.

The runners are raising money for Cancer Research UK, the Irish Cancer Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK, Slimming World’s official charity partners.

Hannah is running for Alzheimer’s Research UK to raise awareness of how healthy eating and moving more can protect our physical and brain health. According to Alzheimer’s Research UK’s ‘Think Brain Health’ campaign, being active is one of several ways people can help protect brain health and reduce their risk of dementia in later life. 

After struggling with her weight for most of her life, it was the stress of juggling two jobs and long working days that led Hannah to gain weight.

“I always remember being bigger. Working two jobs for six days a week meant I relied on ready meals, and I soon noticed the tags on my clothes going up in size,” said Hannah.

“Things that should have been easy like bending down to pick something up and kneeling became difficult. I even found the three-minute walk from my house to the pub left me breathless.

“All these elements led to me avoiding seeing people through fear of embarrassment. I knew I had to take control of my weight and had seen on Facebook that a school friend had lost weight with Slimming World.

“I knew I wanted to do the same but thought I couldn’t do it alone. Little did I know my mother-in-law had signed us both up to our local group. That push was what I needed, and I was relieved to be going with a familiar face.

“We were welcomed by the members and Kurtis, our amazing Consultant. Knowing that I was supported by a group of people who understood the things I’d struggled with and didn’t judge was a relief. I soon realised that I needed this encouragement from my group, and I now love to get involved in sharing new recipes and ideas.”

Hannah followed Slimming World’s Food Optimising healthy eating plan and loved that the flexible plan gave her the knowledge and skills to make changes to the way she ate and not miss out on her favourite meals.

“Before joining Slimming World, I would often opt for a ready meal or takeaway as it was quick and easy, not really thinking about the effect it was having on my health,” explained Hannah.

“With Food Optimising, I now understand which foods will keep me fuller for longer for busy days and I have picked up plenty of new skills in the kitchen. My go-to dish to whip up is a pasta bake packed with veggies, and I usually have the leftovers for lunch the next day.”

As Hannah lost weight and grew in confidence, she decided to explore Slimming World’s Body Magic physical activity support programme, which helps members to embrace and integrate active habits into their everyday life. The programme recognises a wide range of activities, to suit all ability levels and budgets, and supports members to increase activity from their own individual starting point and at their own pace.

“Body Magic has played a massive part in my weight loss journey. I can now walk and run without getting out of breath quickly, something I struggled with before losing weight. I also have a passion for Zumba and I’m now a qualified instructor with weekly sessions at my local leisure centre.

“Running the London Marathon is a dream of mine, and I am so excited! I aim to raise as much money as possible for Alzheimer’s Research UK in support of finding a cure for dementia.” 

Slimming World Consultant Kurtis Bissett runs weekly group sessions in Townhill and says:

“Hannah is a real inspiration to us all and we are so proud of her. When she first came through the door, she wanted to lose weight and feel more confident – however, she had no idea she’d go on to run the London Marathon.

“She is proof that with self-belief, determination and the right kind of support from a group of people who understand what it feels like to struggle with your weight and truly care about your success, anyone’s weight loss and activity dreams can be achieved.”

Lucy Squance, Director of Supporter Led Fundraising at Alzheimer’s Research UK added: 

“We’re truly grateful to Hannah and the team of dedicated Slimming World runners for taking on the London Marathon to raise much-needed funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s Research UK. We can’t wait to cheer from the side-lines and celebrate at the finish line.

“Tragically, dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and if nothing changes, one in two of us will be directly affected by it, either by developing it ourselves, caring for someone with it, or both.

“Alzheimer’s Research UK exists for a cure and it’s people like Hannah and organisations like Slimming World who will help us find one. We can’t thank them enough for standing (or running) with us!”

Anyone who would like to sponsor the Slimming World Marathon team can do so by visiting: https://justgiving.com/campaign/sw-londonmarathon2024