by Michelle Horst
A Leven woman has been named Woman of the Year by her local Slimming World group after transforming her lifestyle and losing eight stone in just 18 months.
Leeanne Catlow said she had long struggled with depression before seeking advice from her GP.
She said: “I’d been yo-yoing with diets since I was a child, but Covid and my age made it really difficult.
“I was very unhappy and in a very low mood. It was live or die. I’ve got my son and my husband. I wanted to be here for them. I was in a very dark place. I called the doctor because I wasn’t in the right headspace.”
Leeanne explained how she was referred to Hornsea Hub’s wellbeing team by her doctor. “The doctor told me to lose weight but it’s never that easy. I realised I had to be here for my son and my husband. I didn’t want to give up.”
Despite her motivation, she struggled to feel comfortable at the gym. She said: “I swore up and down that I would never go into the gym.”
Leeanne gained support from Shaneen, a member of staff at the Hornsea Hub. Shaneen’s gentle encouragement helped maintain her focus. “She said I should try swimming instead. But they closed the pool not long after.”
Despite the setback, Leeanne remained determined to improve her health and returned to the Leven Slimming World group on Tuesday evenings.
She added: “I’d lost weight with Slimming World before, but coming back to the group was terrifying. I didn’t want to be judged. I was worried about what the consultant would think. I didn’t want that shame and guilt, but it was the best decision ever.
“The support in the group and the new consultant makes a big difference. Claire is the new consultant now. She is much more motivating, much more enthusiastic. I just message her if I need to and say ‘Help!’”
The Leven group has supported her journey ever since. Leeanne has made friends and now attends aqua-aerobics with other members.
Claire Gorton, who runs both the Hornsea and Leven Slimming World groups, said it had been an honour and a privilege to help Leeanne.
She said: “I understand her motivations and her worries. I think that helps. It’s been amazing to be a part of Leeanne’s journey. I want to help people achieve their goals and it’s the best feeling when someone can enjoy the health benefits of coming to the group.”
Leeanne encourages anyone with doubts to put themselves first. “You’ve got to put you first. My confidence is through the roof now. I’m out of that dark place. I can go up the stairs without getting out of breath. I can now run up the stairs. I just feel fantastic. I feel like a whole new person. I had a lot of knee pain because of my weight. That’s so much better now. It’s the best decision I ever made.”
Leanne was named the Leven group’s Woman of the Year on Tuesday, August 13, and was delighted to achieve her eight-stone weight loss award too.
Claire Gorton holds Slimming World groups in Leven and Hornsea and can be reached confidentially on 07846 099358.
Anyone experiencing low mood or depression can speak to their doctor or access free listening services:
To talk to Samaritans, call 116 123 or email at: [email protected]. Replies will take approximately 24 hours. Alternatively, contact Shout Crisis Text Support by texting “SHOUT” to 85258.
