Told he was too heavy for the liver transplant he needed, Stephen lost eight stone with the help of his Consett slimming group. Two years on from his transplant, he is in the gym every day and aiming for the Transplant Games.
For Stephen, losing weight was never just about the number on the scales. It became a matter of life and death.
At his heaviest he weighed 24st 4lb. Then came a diagnosis of a small cancer in one of the lobes of his liver, and a place on the transplant list, with a devastating complication: he was told he was too overweight to be considered for a transplant.
Stephen had lost weight before, but like many people he had slipped back into old habits. This time, encouraged by his wife Kris, he walked into the Slimming World group in Consett, and he lost 20lb in his very first week.
“Ill health and the threat of death” was the reason he knew he had to change, he says. His group’s consultant, Dawn, made him feel that change was possible. “Dawn is so friendly and encouraging and gave me the belief that I could do it.”
Months later, he had lost eight stone, bringing him down to 16st 4lb. Most importantly, it made him eligible for the transplant he so badly needed. Two years ago, Stephen had a successful liver transplant and, in his words, a second chance at life.
Life looks very different now. Stephen and Kris plan their meals together, and eating out is no longer something he avoids. He goes to the gym every day and has taken up archery, with the hope of one day representing Great Britain at the Transplant Games.
The biggest changes, though, cannot be measured in pounds and ounces. Stephen says he is more confident, gets out and about more, can play with his grandchildren, and simply likes the way he looks and feels.
Asked what he is most proud of, his answer is simple: “Myself, in sticking to the plan rigidly and starting to achieve my goals.”
He is quick to credit the people around him too. “Dawn goes over and above to help all her members and is always available to give help, encouragement and advice,” he says. “Dawn is not just a consultant, she is a very good friend to us all. She’s brilliant!”
At 6ft 3in, Stephen has set himself one more goal: around another two stone. After everything he has already come through, he knows exactly what he is capable of.
The group meets at St Patrick’s Church Hall, Consett, on Tuesdays at 5pm and 6.30pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9am and 10.30am, and Saturdays at 7.30am, 9am and 10.30am. For details, contact Dawn on 07951 827814.
Story and photos supplied by Dawn Ferguson, Slimming World Consett
