When Gainsborough woman Barbara Hewitt walked through the doors of her local Slimming World group in August 2025, her main reason for wanting to lose weight was simple, her health.

And just over a year later, Barbara, 86, is celebrating an incredible four and a half stone weight loss, improvements to her overall health and a huge difference to what she is able to do in everyday life.

And while she is incredibly proud of how far she has come, Barbara hasn't finished yet. She is continuing her weight loss journey as she works towards her own personal target.

Barbara joined the Slimming World group held at Gainsborough Methodist Church after deciding it was time to make a change. Taking that first step through the doors wasn't easy, but it turned out to be the beginning of a year that would change far more than the number on the scales.

Barbara Hewitt has lost four and a half stone since she joined Slimming World

placeholder image — Barbara Hewitt has lost four and a half stone since she joined Slimming World

Before losing weight, something as simple as taking her dog for a walk through the woods had become difficult. Now, four and a half stone lighter, Barbara is able to enjoy those walks again with her Miniature Pinscher, Justin.

Her improved mobility has also enabled her to return to the show ring at Crufts with Justin - another special moment along the way - but for Barbara, the biggest difference has been feeling the benefits of her weight loss in her everyday health and life.

Barbara said: "I joined because I wanted to lose weight for my health and I can really feel the difference now. Before I lost weight I couldn't walk Justin through the woods, and being able to do that again is something that means so much to me.

"My overall health is improving and I can do so much more than I could before. I've lost four and a half stone so far and I'm really proud of that, but I'm not at the end of my journey yet. I want to keep going until I reach my target."

Slimming World Consultant Lucy Lings, who runs the Gainsborough group, has watched Barbara's journey from that very first week.

Lucy said: "Barbara joined us wanting to improve her health, and seeing the difference that losing four and a half stone has made to her life has been wonderful. Being able to get back out into the woods walking Justin might sound like such an everyday thing, but when your weight has stopped you from doing something you love, being able to do it again is huge.

"What I also love is that Barbara isn't treating four and a half stone as the finish line. She's rightly incredibly proud of what she's achieved, but she knows where she wants to get to and she's continuing to work towards her personal target.”

For Lucy, Barbara's story also demonstrates why the support members receive after stepping off the scales each week can be so important.

Members stay together in group to share their experiences, celebrate what's gone well, talk honestly about what's been difficult and help each other make a plan for the week ahead.

Lucy runs the award-winning Gainsborough Slimming World group at Gainsborough Methodist Church, North Street, Gainsborough, DN21 2HP, every Thursday, with sessions at 4pm, 5.30pm and 7pm.