Leigh smashes weight loss targets with Optivo’s support

20 April 2021

After collapsing and being taken to hospital last year, Shelter volunteer Leigh knew he needed to make a lifestyle change.

Read how our Social Impact Team supported Leigh to lose four stone and turn his life around…

Struggling with a range of health conditions, including diabetes, arthritis and spine issues,
when Optivo resident Leigh was found collapsed
in his home last year and taken to hospital it was
a warning sign.

“Diabetes nearly killed me, I had a big wakeup
call, and I knew I had to make changes for me.” says Leigh, 50.

Shielding due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Leigh met Vanessa, Health and Wellbeing Project Officer at Optivo, through a weekly food delivery scheme to those unable to safely leave their home.

After finding out about his concerns, Vanessa supported Leigh to attend free one to one sessions with a qualified coach Sarah at Sarah Hallworth Personal Trainers (SHPT). Together over the phone, they worked through small changes from portion sizes and eating habits through to food plans, healthy food swaps and raising activity levels.

Over a few months, through knowledge gained from his sessions, Leigh lost an amazing four stone. Feeling and looking much healthier, he’s now reduced the pain medication he needed by half. He enjoys taking his dog out for walks several times a day.

Leigh continues to set goals to motivate and push himself to his goals of losing a further 16 pounds.

Now, as the nation heads out of lockdown, he’s looking forward to seeing colleagues and friends when he returns to his volunteer role at Shelter.

“No one has seen me in person for a long time because I’ve been shielding, I’ve had comments on video calls about how much slimmer my face looks, it’ll be a big surprise and I’m excited to see my friend’s reactions.”

If you’re looking for support with your diabetes, we’re here to help. Our one-to-one bespoke sessions aim to improve physical and mental health, reduce the risk of further health conditions and improve your food choices to support weight loss. We can even help you and your family become more active with Leisure centre passes and family group exercise.

For more information on how to book contact Vanessa: vanessa.porter@optivo.org.uk or call 07710 387 307

Optivo Wellbeing working together with SHPT, funded by East Sussex CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group)