A GRAN has revealed how Slimming World got her through her cancer battle.
Maria Kennedy, from Rutherglen, was shocked when chest pains turned out to be breast cancer in December 2022.
The 71-year-old underwent brutal treatment to remove it but the ordeal left her feeling isolated, traumatised and struggling.
It was then her local Slimming World group reached out urging her to return to the class and in 2023 she got the all-clear.
Maria explained: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without my Slimming World group, they were really there for me when I needed it.
“It wasn’t even about just losing weight, it was about the incredible comradery they offered me every week. If anyone is down they are completely there for them.
“I found out another lady at the group also had been through cancer and it inspired me to get through my treatment as well.
“I cannot thank the friends I made at the group enough, they really helped me through a very dark time.”
Maria first experienced pain in her left breast in November 2022 and was sent to Gartnavel General Hospital for a mammogram before being diagnosed in December.
She underwent surgery to remove it last January before getting the all-clear which followed precautionary radiotherapy.
Maria now focuses on health as her cancer scare motivated her to be grateful for each day.
After Slimming World helped her learn about what healthy foods to consume she lost four stone and is now 13 stone.
She said: “It’s been tough as the medication I need to take doesn't always favour weight loss but I've plodded on, with friends and family behind me all the way.
“I lost more than four stone, I have bad arthritis in my knees so it has helped take some of the pressure off.
“I have completely changed my way of thinking when it comes to food. I focus on nutritional stuff because health is so important.
“I still have potatoes and pasta so I don’t feel like I am missing out thanks to Slimming World.
“My diet is mostly the reason I lost weight but I try to do 5000 to 10,000 steps every day as well.
“Having the girls in my class encourage me has been a community lifeline and made it possible.”
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