After a serious health condition threatened his life in 2018, Ken decided he needed to make major changes to his lifestyle to lose weight and become healthier. Since starting his weight loss journey, the retired police detective from Yorkshire has said he has been given “another chance at life”.
A life-threatening health condition was also a catalyst.
The 62-year-old said: “When I look back on that trip to Scotland with Jeanette I felt like we missed out on so much because I was unable to walk far and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
“Then, the morning of our thirty-ninth wedding anniversary, I woke with a terrible pain in my calf, I decided to go for a walk to try and ease the pain but became so unwell I collapsed in the street.
“I had developed thrombosis which led to a pulmonary embolism. During my journey to hospital, I suffered a cardiac arrest and my heart stopped for ten minutes.
Ken explained: “As nervous as I was the first time I walked into the group, I was met with the warmest welcome and soon started to look forward to Monday mornings.
“I’m a people person so engaging with like-minded people, sharing experiences, tips and recipes was brilliant and being able to enjoy all my favourite meals, like full English breakfast and chilli con carne, I never felt hungry or restricted.”
Having impacted both his physical and mental health, losing weight has changed Ken’s life for the better.
He said: “My weight had really affected my mobility and even the shortest walks had become such a challenge.
“Since losing weight I walk as much as possible, living in the countryside and near the sea means I can enjoy exploring lots of new places.
“I’ve found it’s had such a positive impact on my physical and mental wellbeing. I’ve also started enjoying all my favourite past times again, gardening and working on my cars in the garage.”
The 62-year-old added: “My whole life has changed over the past 18 months.
“Losing nine stone has given me a renewed sense of confidence, vigour and zest for life.
“Now I’m fully retired, fit and healthy and I can do things I only dreamed of a year ago. I’ve been given another chance at life and I feel like the man I was in my thirties.
“My ambition now is to life my life to the fullest – there’s no turning back.”
Ken’s diet plan
Breakfast: Three trimmed bacon medallions in a wholemeal roll, and two boiled eggs.
Lunch: Lean ham or tuna speedy salad, pickled onions.
Snacks: Apple, banana, or orange. Can of diet cola.
Dinner: Slimming World recipe chilli con carne, boiled brown rice, and speedy salad.
Evening: Slimming World HiFi Bar and a cup of tea.