A CUMBRIAN man who has lost over 12 stone with the help of Slimming World has said the group has changed his life after facing 'cruelty from strangers' about his weight in the past.

Malcolm, who lost the weight with the help of his Slimming World Group, says after years of experiencing cruelty from strangers about his weight he was nervous to join a weight loss group.

He said: "I was so nervous the day I joined, it felt so strange walking into a Slimming World Group. I didn't know what to expect, I was so shy, I really didn't need to worry.

“The fear I had about walking through the doors was immense, but straightaway it was such a safe space and I felt utterly accepted in a way I hadn’t for a very long time."

Malcolm has endorsed the group as a commitment that he makes every week to keep himself on the right path.

He said: "There’s no judgement or humiliation, just kindness, care and respect. I became part of a community of people who understood what it felt like to be unhappy with your weight and I wasn’t looked down at in any way.

"My faith in strangers was restored, and I knew I was in the right place – physically and emotionally – to get the help I needed. Dieting alone might feel safer but, as I know only too well, it rarely works. Being surrounded by people who cared about me and my success galvanised my resolve and helped me to stick to the plan.

"The saying ‘it takes a village’ couldn’t be truer when it comes to a person’s weight loss journey.”

Malcom insists by making a commitment to attend every week it is the only way to lose weight and keep it off.

He said: "The group helped me along with Jo my wife to plan for the week ahead when I was away from home driving the wagon, meal planning and preparing what i was taking with me. I started with a cool box and now have a small fridge, microwave and kettle, I take breakfast, lunch, evening meal and snacks lots of variety so I never feel like I am missing out."