A SADDLEWORTH Morris Man has beaten the bulge by losing more than 14 stone over almost two years to halve his body weight.
Richard Landon tipped the scales at 28 stone 5lb in 2011 but thanks to the help of Weight Watchers in Greenfield he has transformed his image and lifestyle.
After previously losing a lot of weight in 2004, Richard started to pile on the pounds once more following a shock redundancy from his job of 25 years in 2007.
A year later he was settled in a new permanent job and a keen member of the Saddleworth Morris Men – but continued to put on weight.
Richard, a customer service advisor, explained: “When I joined SMM I was up to around 19 stone but could initially cope with the strenuous dance routines.
“My new job involved being seated for the majority of the day and exercise in my recreation time was non-existent.
“The weight continued to increase and I became more depressed about it as I was having to order clothes online in the sizes that high street stores just don’t stock.
In 2010 Richard took a break from the Morris Men to sort out his weight – but decided in 2011 when he was struggling to keep pace walking with friends thatenough was enough.
He admitted: “I felt about 90 years old. Also in busy pubs, I had to plan my route to the toilet as I could not physically fit between chairs. I vowed to do something about it.”
So on New Year’s Eve 2011 he agreed to join Weight Watchers in Greenfield with his mum Elsie, who is a gold member.
Richard said: “I threw myself into the plan, losing 5lbs in the first week. Weight steadily dropped off and I continued to enjoy the help, support, encouragement and banter of the weekly meetings.
“Karen is a fantastic leader. She is informative, funny, engaging and very passionate about Weight Watchers and her members.”
An all-inclusive holiday in August 2012 saw Richard gain 17lb in two weeks – a record at the Greenfield group – but by his trip to Turkey a year later his improved diet and attitude saw him lose 6lb.
And then in November he hit his target of losing 200lb and celebrated with the entire Weight Watchers meeting.
Richard, who has rejoined the Morris Men, said: “To have achieved this is absolutely fantastic. It has changed my life. I am much healthier and happier and no longer self-conscious about being out in public.
“I am enjoying buying clothes again now from anywhere I want in any style I choose. I am also enjoying being more active in the beautiful surroundings in which I live.
“I intend to continue attending the weekly meetings and knowing I have to face those scales will keep me on the straight and narrow.
“I would like to say what a fantastic support network I have had with Karen, Weightwatchers, the other meeting members including my mum, my family, friends,colleagues and the Morris Men. With all their help and encouragement I am confident I have turned things around for good.”
Karen added: “Richard has done incredibly well over the last few years and I am so proud of what he has achieved. “
Karen Thompson runs a Weight Watchers session every Tuesday at Saddleworth Rangers ground on Shaw Hall Bank Road in Greenfield at 6.30pm. For more information please call Karen 07970 370 336.
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