ONE Pontypool woman made a big lifestyle change in 2019, spurred on by losing a family member.

When Catharine Griffiths from Penperlleni, Pontypool, weighing 11st 6lb at 5ft 2 in, saw a photo of her taken at Christmas 2018, she knew that she needed to make changes and lose weight.

Over the past few years Catharine had been caring for her mum, who died in February 2018, and had let her own health and wellbeing priorities fall by the wayside.

By November 2019, Catharine had lost 2 stone and gone from a size 18 to a size 10.

“Even though I knew I needed to lose weight, I didn’t actually do anything about it until February 2019. I had a realisation that my life hadn’t moved on in the year since mum died.

“I would come home from work and settle down on the sofa and eat. One day, I just made the decision to change. Instead of walking into the house and raiding the fridge, I put my trainers on and went for a walk”.

She began walking five evenings a week, getting up to just less than six miles a night.

“It wasn’t easy at first, but as the weeks went on, I got quicker and went further. It felt great! And bonus was that the weight was coming off too”.

By May, the weight loss had slowed down and Catharine knew that she needed to make more changes and joined WW (formerly Weight Watchers) with Coach Michelle Hamblen.

Catharine puts some of her success down to staying each week to the Weekly Workshop.

“The group support is so motivating. Each week WW Coach, Michelle, talks with us about behaviour change techniques that help support our weight loss and wellbeing.

“Michelle knows her stuff! I’ve really benefitted from her support and advice and the tips from the group.

“I have gained so much by losing this weight. I am so much happier, and my confidence has soared. In January I am joining a running group and going to aim for a 5k to start.

“I’m so glad that I took action. Look how my life has changed in a year and for the better!”

MORE NEWS:

For more information on joining WW, please visit www.ww.com/uk