A Whittlesey slimmer who “wasn’t living life” because she could hardly walk or play with her children has lost 13 stone in two years.
Kera Mason, who attends Anna Foster’s Slimming World group, “finally plucked up the courage” to step foot inside Eastrea centre six months before the death of her 56-year-old dad, who had struggled for years with endless health conditions due to his weight.
Kera said: “I was 33 and my life was not being lived. I was crying and trying my hardest to hide from everyone, but, 2lb shy of 26 stone and a size 34 clothing, hiding was kind of impossible.
“I was a mess when I walked into the hall but Anna (the consultant) took me to one side, eased my fears and helped me realise this was day one of the rest of my life, the best of my life.”
She said the group “pulled me in, helped me gain a bit of confidence, supported me and treated me with such care and compassion that I knew I was going to be ok there.
“I could hardly walk, definitely not without pain, I couldn’t play with my children, fit in public toilet cubicles etc.
“To cook a meal, I had to have a chair in front of the cooker as I couldn’t stand long enough without getting breathless and going dizzy.
“Everything was so much effort and I wasn’t living life. I was existing in a vicious circle of food, food and even more food.”
Two years later and Kera has lost over half of her body weight: “Over 13 stone so far, gone for good and I’m still fighting to lose more. Now, I’m in a size 14 clothing.
“I can play with my boys on the trampoline, walk for miles and miles without pain, fit in toilet cubicles, chairs, stand to cook proper healthy meals for the family.
“My quality of life physically has been drastically improved. My head, it really hasn’t caught up with my body yet.
“I still see the same person that looked back at me two years ago. That’s going to be a harder one to fix but I know with the endless support from my friends and group members, I will get there eventually.”
Kera added that Slimming World has given her “a life I never thought possible for me. I’ve always been overweight, never once a normal size.
“Now, I’m the smallest I’ve been as an adult. My new habits are making my children happier and healthier too.”
She said one thing she has learnt throughout her journey is to “just not give up.
She added that although the Covid-19 pandemic has brought with it a higher risk for those people classed as obese, she wants to “reach out and give them hope.
“I’ve lost over 13 stone in two years. Anything is achievable and the love and support you receive in our group is endless.”
Kera said that joining Slimming Wolrd has “changed my life and that my only regret is not taking that step sooner”.
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