Slimming group leader is a model example to class

TWO years ago, exercise was a dirty word to Sarah Whiteman.

The mother-of-two, of Park View, Swynnerton, had seen her weight creep up to 16st 9lb.

But now, after joining a weight-loss group in Eccleshall, the 34-year-old is not only five stones lighter – she is running the slimming class too.

"My nickname at school was thunder thighs," reveals Sarah, who is married to Rod, aged 38, and is mum to eight-year-old Georgina and Charlotte, aged three.

"I wasn't massive at school, but I've always been larger than average.

"I was about a size 16, but I never got on the scales because I was too scared."

Sarah lacked confidence at school and did not take part in activities.

"I wasn't picked on because of my weight," she says, "but I wasn't a popular girl.

"I wasn't confident about going out and never went to parties with friends. I kind of stuck to staying at home."

School dinners consisted of chips and gravy most days and she found the weight really piled on when she got a steady boyfriend.

"I think I let myself go," she admits. "When you get comfortable in a relationship you just don't make the effort.

"You think the other person will love you the way you are and it's a downward spiral of getting bigger."

Other downfalls for Sarah were convenience foods and beer.

"Exercise was a dirty word," she continues. "When I was little I used to enjoy swimming, but when I started putting weight on I didn't want to put a swimming costume on and get in a pool.

"I didn't get any exercise for a while."

Sarah, a civilian worker at Swynnerton Training Camp, tried various diets over the years.

But the turning point came when her mother-in-law, Gillian Ralls, announced she was joining a slimming group – and Sarah was coming too.

The two women started attending a Slimming World class in Eccleshall in January 2008, by which time Sarah was a dress size 18-20.

"The group was so friendly," she says. "You get this image in your head of it being like Fat Fighters in Little Britain, but, in reality, nobody judges you for who you are and what you've done.

"We just help each other to get back on target."

Sarah found the eating plan easy to follow and was delighted when she discovered she did not have to cut out chocolate and alcohol.

"It's just about controlling the amount you eat and drink," she explains. "There's so much you can eat."

By March 2009, Sarah had lost five stones, meaning she had hit her target of 11st 9lb.

And her new-found confidence has led to her taking over running the group after the previous leader left.

"I feel great and I get quite a few stares from the squaddies at work," she says.

"I have more energy and now, when I go out for walks with the family, I tell them I'll race them. I also go swimming and cycle to work.

"And while my husband never told me I was fat, he's been very supportive. The other day he said he felt like he was getting in bed with a model."

The transformation also means Sarah is happy to show off her new size 12 figure.

"I used to wear tents," she says, "anything that would cover up my shape. Now I wear things like leggings and long boots.

"I was so lacking in confidence, but now I've lost weight I feel I can do anything."

Rod, a National Trust warden in Staffordshire, admits his wife's weight sometimes worried him.

"I knew Sarah wanted to lose weight," he says. "I worried for her health and thought she'd be happier if she didn't have quite so much weight on her.

"She used to huff and puff around the house and everything seemed quite hard for her.

"I think it's fantastic what she's achieved.

"When I look at old photos of her I can't believe how much she's changed.

"She's happier, more confident and much fitter."

Sarah runs Slimming World classes at Eccleshall Methodist Church, on Thursdays at 7pm. For details, call 07792 830784.