Colchester grandma, 71, shed seven stone after taking up walking

Super slimmer Sandra Dobby, 71, has been named Diamond Member of the Year 2020 in Slimming World’s latest competition after setting a dazzling example of long-term weight loss.

The title, which is voted by the group, is awarded to a member who has lost weight and maintained it for at least a year.

Mrs Dobby, who dropped from 19 stones to 11 and a half stones, initially joined the Old Heath group in Colchester in 2017 after experiencing constant joint pain and growing tired of taking daily blood pressure and cholesterol medication.

Instead of watching her grandchildren grow up from the sideline because of her weight, Mrs Dobby wanted to take a more active part in their lives.

She said: “Like most people, I’d tried to lose weight countless times, yet nothing ever really seemed to stick.

“Slimming World was completely different because it was just so simple.

“I could still enjoy hearty, home cooked meals with my family, while losing weight, which seemed like a miracle at the time.

“I’m really adventurous in the kitchen now and I’ve passed lots of healthy habits on to my family and friends too.”

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As her weight was coming off, Mrs Dobby decided to increase her activity levels slowly by parking the car further away from her destination and walking the rest.

Mrs Dobby is now able to enjoy regular long walks with her dog and keep up with her active grandchildren.

She added: “Before I used to skip breakfast and have lunchtime sandwiches, crisps, chocolate and biscuits and in the evening ready meals, takeaways and nothing really healthy.

“Whereas now I cook from scratch and I still have what I like to eat but cook it in a different way - instead of having full fat milk, you can go to skimmed milk or have your coffee black.”

Mrs Dobby is now medication free and says she is “finally able to enjoy life to the full”

Alice Turburville, 43, who runs the Old Heath group which Sandra attends, said: “I’m so proud of Sandra, she has proven just what incredible things you can achieve when you make that commitment to improve your health and truly believe in yourself.

“Sandra has been a real inspiration, not only to me but all the other members in the group, and it’s always great for new members to meet her and see just what’s possible at Slimming World.”