A SUPER-slimming couple are seeing a lot less of each other after losing 14st 5lbs between them and making it to the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Couple of the Year 2018 competition.
As one of just 28 couples to make it to the semi-finals, Phil and Fran Bagshaw, who attend the Great Sankey Slimming World group, believe the secret of their success was getting support from one another at home as well as in group every week.
Phil, 51, lost 6st 11.5lbs, he said: “While I’d been feeling uncomfortable about my weight for some time, I never really felt quite ready to do anything about it. However, as soon as I realised Fran was unhappy with her weight too, it made sense to try to tackle it together.
"Slimming World seemed the perfect fit for us. We could go as a couple and support each other along the way – as well as benefitting from all of the amazing support from our group.
The pair before the weight loss
“From the outset we started enjoying healthier home-cooked meals and it definitely wasn’t as difficult as I expected it to be.
"In fact, we could still enjoy family favourites like chicken curry, spaghetti bolognese and even chips – we just made healthy swaps like switching to lean cuts of meat and using low calorie cooking spray instead of oil. The change in both of us has been remarkable – it’s like we both have a whole new lease of life.”
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Phil and Fran were voted as their Slimming World group’s Couple of the Year 2018 by their fellow members. Following their selection they were invited to represent Warrington at the national semi-finals at Slimming World’s head office in Derbyshire on Sunday, May 20.
Fran, 51, who lost 7st 9.5lbs, added: “I must admit it was almost a bit of a relief when I discovered Phil was feeling down about his weight too.
"Joining Slimming World was one of the best decisions we have made – we’re making healthy changes together to give us both a brighter future, and that’s an amazing feeling. We’ve become much more active and even started running on a regular basis. We also enjoy pilates, body combat classes and cycling.
“We couldn’t believe it when we made it to the semi-finals, it’s way beyond what we could have imagined when we first decided to join Slimming World. We already feel like winners because we’ve won the biggest prize out there – we feel great and we know we’ve got a long, healthy, happy life to look forward to together now."
After losing more than 14 stones
Jenny Osborne, who runs the Great Sankey Slimming World group at King's Community Centre, said: “I’m so proud of them both. They’ve really taken it upon themselves to motivate not only each other, but the rest of the group, too.
"I’d encourage any couples who are struggling with their weight to tackle the issue together – it honestly does make the world of difference to have someone you love and trust by your side."
While Phil and Fran made it to the semi-finals of the competition, unfortunately they were not the overall winners.
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