A step lighter: Romford couple shed 10 stones between them
RUSSELL and Lynda Gray, from Romford, have started a new, exciting phase of their life – by shedding an incredible ten stones in weight between them.
It has enabled Russell, 49, to have a series of spine operations, which have transformed his life, and Lynda, 46, to start a new career helping others with weight problems in Dagenham.
Russell suffers from osteoporosis and psoriatic arthritis in all his joints, he also had high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which were caused by his weight.
Doctors advised Russell he could not have his op as he was too heavy for the operating table, which could only take up to 20 stones in weight.
He was also considered for gastric surgery.
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Knowing his life was at risk, Russell decided to join a Slimming World group, with his wife, and so began their transformation as a couple last October.
Since then, Russell has lost 7 stones 8lb, and Lynda has lost 2 stones 7lb.
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Russell said: “I was bed-ridden for 11 months, and in terrible pain, with no mobility. Since losing the weight I feel and look like a totally different person.
“I have had five surgical procedures now, none of which would have been possible without the weight loss.”
Lynda is delighted with her own loss too. As a keen cook, she used to make cakes and biscuits instead of eating breakfast and lunch. After being at home looking after Russell, the weight piled on and her self-esteem was low.
She would hide herself in baggy tops and hated seeing herself in photographs, so would be behind the camera, instead of in the pictures.
Lynda said: “I felt tired, miserable, and uncomfortable, and wanted to hide away. Now we are both so much healthier and happy, our confidence has grown and I love wearing gorgeous clothes again.”
The couple, of Mawney Road, worked together running their own upholstery business, but this was affected by Russell’s ill health, and eventually they lost the business as Lynda became Russell’s carer.
Lynda is starting her own Slimming World group on Monday evenings at 5.30pm and 7.30pm at Old Dagenham Methodist church, Rainham Road South.
