A purposeful Coatbridge mum has defied health issues – and unkind words from ex-partners – to near her target weight.
Tracy Ann McDonald struggled with burgeoning weight issues following the birth of the first of her five children.
This wasn’t helped by former partners “constantly putting her down” and “calling her fat” and after turning to “comfort food”, she became an asthmatic.
Tracy Ann explained: “I was bursting out of my size-16 jeans and very unhappy and unhealthy.
“I first heard about Denise Raybould’s Slimming World class five years ago and decided to join. I absolutely loved it; Denise was an inspiration and I became one of her social team members .
“With her continual support, and all of the backing from the other members, I got right down to a size 10 and was absolutely overjoyed.
“But my two youngest boys have autism and I went through a difficult spell, which led to me leaving class for a while; and my weight quickly started to come back.”
This wasn’t the end of Tracy Ann’s Slimming World journey, though, as the resolute mum made a quick return to her group.
She said: “I didn’t want my children being embarrassed by their mum and was worried about my health again as my asthma had returned.
“I called Denise and she came down to see me; I quickly re-joined the group and became a social team member again. I don’t get out much as I have to look after my kids, so Slimming World is my chance to be part of something absolutely amazing.
“Denise and her members helped me once again and now I’m right down to a size 12, my asthma has gone and my confidence has returned.”
Tracy Ann added: “My overall Slimming World experience has been fantastic; we are all like one big happy family and if I am having a bad day, Denise comes to my house to support me, and answers my calls day or night.
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“I am so happy now and taking my boys to Spain for a holiday next month. Slimming World has changed my life for the better and I don’t know where I would be if I had never joined.
“I want to say a massive thank you to Denise and our members for helping me and bringing happiness back to my life.”
Denise Raybould, who runs the group Tracy Ann attends, said: “Tracy Ann is a brilliant social team member and is also the administrator on our website, where she helps every member; she would do anything for you.
“I’m so glad she returned to group and is getting her confidence back – for her health and family.”
To find out more about Denise’s Slimming World groups, visit www.facebook.com/deniseslimmingworldraybould
