It’s the London Marathon on Sunday 21st April, and as that colourful crowd of runners streams over the capital’s iconic Tower Bridge, you might just spot some of our amazing Slimming World team.
These amazing members will be running in support of the Slimming World SMILES charity, to raise funds for our charity partners, Cancer Research UK, the Irish Cancer Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK – you’ll find the official fundraising page here.
If you’re feeling inspired to give running a go, you’ll find a step-by-step training plan on our exclusive member website and app. Start today and you could join us running Race for Life this summer!
More on the blog: After losing 56st 1lb between us, we’re ready to run the London Marathon 2024!
Meet the Slimming World London Marathon team
Louise O’Neill, 51, lost 4st 7lbs and she’s on a mission to help more people live healthier lives as a Slimming World Consultant.
“I still can’t believe that I have gone from having no motivation to exercise, to enjoying hitting the streets, running and maintaining a daily streak.
As a Consultant, I’m heavily involved in fundraising activities for CRUK, such as The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw and Race for Life, and can’t wait to push myself further by running the London Marathon in April.”
Matthew Symons, 41, lost 9st 2½lbs with Slimming World. He’s running in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK after experiencing first-hand the real impact the condition had on his dad.
“My turning point was in 2016 when I attended a friend’s house party and a chair collapsed beneath me. I was mortified and, in that moment, I knew something needed to change.
As well as learning to cook by Food Optimising, I’ve also gradually built up my activity levels at a pace that suits me with Body Magic.
I began with walking to my workplace and slowly increased my distance. I soon discovered a love for running.”
Read Matthew’s full story here
Sharon Guest-Barker, 51, lost 1st 11lbs with Slimming World. She’s proud to be running in memory of her granddad, who sadly died with Alzheimer’s.
“I still can’t believe I have gone from struggling to walk without becoming breathless to preparing to run the London Marathon!
I started by walking once or twice a day and then built this up to a slow jog when I was ready. I loved being able to do everything in my own time and not feel pressured.”
Simon Graves, 59, lost 4st 11lbs. When he was 13 years old, he lost his father to cancer, and he’s proud to be raising money for Cancer Research UK.
“I wasn’t active at all before losing weight and struggled to walk far without getting out of breath. When I discovered Body Magic, I knew I wanted to give it a go to try to improve my activity levels and stamina.
I started slowly at my own pace and built up from walking to jogging, eventually taking on my local Parkrun.
Since losing weight, as well as improved fitness, my health has completely turned around, and my blood pressure and cholesterol levels are now both normal.”
Trevor Kearns, 46, lost 8st 9lbs. He’s running in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.
“The charity is very close to my heart as my dad has overcome cancer a number of times over the years. His strength throughout has shown me that you can overcome any challenge in life, and I can’t wait to take on the marathon.”
Trudi Norman, 44, lost 6st with Slimming World. Having lost family members to cancer, Trudi is proud to be raising money to support Cancer Research UK.
“I have always tried to be active, but my weight began to hinder what I could actually achieve.
As the weight started to come off, I began doing small walks. Gradually, I built up my strength and stamina to start running.
I also took up spinning and boxing classes as I realised that exercising as part of a group helps me stay engaged and motivated.”
Nicola Guilfoyle, 39, lost 12st 8lbs with Slimming World. She’s running for the Irish Cancer Society, a charity closer to her heart after losing her mum to cancer.
“I love the variety you get with Food Optimising – it’s so adaptable and it fits in easily with our family life. We still enjoy a takeaway occasionally, we just make healthier choices now – things like having boiled rice instead of egg fried rice.
I used to get constant heartburn and acid reflux, to the point where I’d sometimes vomit when I laid down, but all that’s stopped since I lost weight.
Activity has become part of our family life. I exercise every day now, and we love taking the kids out for hikes and exploring the outdoors – the sort of thing we’d never been able to do before.”
Hayley Costa, 56, lost 2st 3lbs with Slimming World Online. She’s running in memory of her daughter, who sadly died from cancer.
“I used to run quite regularly but lost motivation after having nothing to aim towards. When I realised that I could track my steps and activity on the Slimming World app, I started to enjoy it again.
Running the London Marathon has been a goal of mine for years and I’m so excited to take on the challenge.”
Get started with Slimming World
Many of our members say that when they first started on their weight loss journeys, doing exercise felt like an impossible task. With Slimming World support, though, they’ve built up their activity at their own pace – and they’re loving the brilliant Body Magic benefits their new lifestyles bring. If they can do it, you can, too!
