Dramatic transformation for Stanstead woman after 10 stone weight loss
After being warned by her doctor that she was at high risk of developing diabetes, Hannah Squirrell was determined to shed the pounds.
Through sheer determination, the 32-year-old from Stanstead lost 10 stone and 10 pounds in just under two years.
Since joining Slimming World, Mrs Squirrell has dropped 12 dress sizes, which has secured her the Woman of the Year title at a weekly weight loss group in Great Cornard.
“When I first joined I never dreamt that I would be in the position I am now,” she said.
“Losing weight has made such a big difference to my life: my health has improved; I have more energy; I’m happier and I feel more comfortable in my own skin.”
Mrs Squirrell, of Blooms Hall Lane, started regaining weight after having her two sons, Josh and Freddie.
She tried various methods to shed the pounds, but to no avail, which prompted her to join a weight loss support group.
“I feel like a different woman to the one who walked into the class 22 months ago,” said Mrs Squirrell. “And winning Woman of the Year is a real honour because there are so many amazing women in our group.”
Receiving support from fellow members, while developing a strong sense of self-belief, have proved vital in Mrs Squirrell’s feat to lose weight.
“I remember feeling like I would never be happy in my own skin again, but I’ve realised that when people believe in you, and you believe in yourself, you can do anything you set your mind to,” she said.
Since shedding the weight, Mrs Squirrell, who recently got married to her partner, Nathan, has become a lot more active and is now able
to take her young sons, who are aged four and six, on regular walks.
The nursery nurse, who works at Anglia Sunshine Nurseries in Sudbury, is encouraging other individuals, who can relate to her story, to muster the courage to take the next step.
“I really hope my weight loss can inspire other people to get started on their own journey and I know that there’s a whole group of people waiting to support them every step of the way,” said Mrs Squirrell.
“My goal now is to hit my target and stay there for life, which I know I can do.”
Kath Hampshire, who runs the Great Cornard group, congratulated Mrs Squirrel on her milestone.
“I’m so proud of Hannah, she’s a fantastic ambassador for Slimming World and what she’s achieved is nothing short of incredible,”she said.
“Hannah has just got married and I was honoured to be part of her special day.
“Seeing her in her dress brought tears to my eyes – she’s a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope she inspires other women – and men – in Great Cornard to change their lives in the same way.”
