“2018 - At the age of 24, I reluctantly joined slimming world as I knew something had to be done. I’d reached 18.2 stone and, despite being tall, really was beginning to ‘not’ be able to carry it well. I’d gone through uni, started a new career and completely fallen into a place of convenience eating and absolutely minimal exercise. This had taken a toll.
Fast forward to 2021, I’d come to the end of my slimming world journey as the weight has stopped shifting. I’d lost 3 stone, but my physical shape was awful. Despite being lower on the scales, my personal self confidence was at an all time low. Cue one of the BEST Facebook messenger messages I’ve ever sent… and the rest is history!
I started training with Cammie in 2021 at Victory. Covid required zoom initially, and from April or so we could get into the gym albeit mostly outdoors. This is where I first became immersed in the victory community. From the off, my fears of being the ‘heavy guy’ walking into a gym were alleviated. Scott and Kerry as coaches, despite not being mine, were extremely welcoming, and so too were clients from various classes, backgrounds, strength capabilities… the list goes on. The group totally made me feel at ease, supported me in my lifts and progression and made me feel like the gym was a place I totally belonged.
We’re now in 2024, and I’m sitting at a healthy 93K and in the best shape I’ve ever been in. I couldn’t have done this journey without my coach Cammie by my side. He’s been a supporter, motivator, shoulder to moan on and believed in me when I’ve not believed in myself. Through him, and the victory community - I’ve achieved things I seriously never thought possible. I’ve ran a 10K, completed in a singles Hyrox event, lifted weights I never thought possible and learned how to safely navigate a gym.
Cammie and the victory community have really helped me to change my life. I always wanted to be able to go to a beach and take my top off - daft as it sounds, this was my goal. I achieve this in 2023 and have never been prouder. This mental and physical health change in me is immeasurable.
I will never look back. I’ve still got some way to go, but - I’d never consider doing it anywhere other than within the victory community. I’ll forever be indebted to the ways in which they’ve changed my life!”