Real Success

Hayley Black from Essex has become Slimming World’s Top Target Member 2009, after maintaining her incredible weight loss of 6st 2lbs for over
four years.

Reaching her weight loss target is just part of Hayley’s remarkable story.
After battling through four ectopic pregnancies, six IVF treatments and skin cancer she comfort ate her way to a size 26. Now, 6 stones lighter, Hayley’s fit, healthy and keeping up with her son! She shares her heart-warming story with
us here.

“I started to gain weight soon after my husband Martin and I began trying for a baby. I’ve never been a naturally slim person, always around a size 14-16, but four ectopic pregnancies and six IVF treatments really took their toll and I literally ate my way through it. It was so hard and every time I wanted to cheer myself up I’d have a cream cake.

“My third ectopic pregnancy was nearly fatal. I survived after an emergency blood transfusion but was told I’d never have children. I was overjoyed therefore when, miraculously, just months later, I fell pregnant with my son Kai, now five. I had a difficult pregnancy and went on to lose Kai’s identical twin. I was devastated and of course my diet got even worse.

“I finally knew enough was enough when Kai was three months old. I’d parked up in a car park and left Kai in the car while I ran to get a ticket. But I realised I couldn’t run for the ticket, because I was too unfit. It terrified me. I thought, ‘What about when he starts moving around and I can’t keep up with him or play with him?’ It had been such a struggle to have Kai that I couldn’t bear the thought of not being able to look after him properly. I felt like a complete failure as a mother.

“Then my mum said she was joining Slimming World and asked me to go along with her. My mum’s always been slim and she only had about 7lbs to lose, but at the time it didn’t even occur to me that she was only joining so that I’d come with her.”

“We joined Pat Blake’s Slimming World group in Canvey Island and I was soon hooked on the Food Optimising plan. I couldn’t believe how much I could eat and still lose weight. In fact, even now I’m shocked at how much I eat and stay slim. I’m a real foody and I love cooking all of the recipes in Slimming World magazine, but my favourite meal is still eggs, chips – cooked the healthy Slimming World way – and beans.”

“I quickly began to see the pounds dropping off, but three months and two stone in, I received some devastating news when I was diagnosed with skin cancer and

(continued above)

doctors had to operate to remove a mole from my leg.

“Bizarrely it didn’t set me back. Even as I was going down for my operation, I was telling the nurses all about Slimming World.  All the lovely get well cards and letters of

support that I’d received from the members in my group made me eager to go back and see them. I was back in group after two weeks.

“I’ve been given the all-clear now health-wise, although I still have regular check ups. Having skin cancer made me much more health conscious. Losing weight isn’t just about looking great, it’s about getting fit and healthy because there are so many health problems associated with being overweight - including cancer. I really embraced Slimming World’s Body Magic programme, which encourages members to get active in ways that fit in with their lifestyle and daily routine. Now I’m always on the go. I bike everywhere – including to my hospital appointments – and do around 100 miles a week. I’ve completed the London to South End bike ride three times now, it’s something I’d never have done before I lost weight which is why it’s so special.

“Going to group is like my weekly night out, we have such a ball. It helps me to stay motivated and keep up to date with new ideas for healthy recipes and meals. “Even now I’ve lost 6st 2lb, I still attend every week!”

find out more

If you'd like to reveal the real you, find your nearest warm and friendly Slimming World group, where men and women are welcome.