Craig Stokes, a 43-year-old man from Bournemouth, experienced a pivotal moment during his nephew’s stag do in 2022 at Thorpe Park that changed his life forever. Attempting to go on the Stealth ride, he faced the ultimate embarrassment when the harness could not be secured around his 23 stone frame, forcing him to get off in front of friends and strangers. This humiliating experience became the catalyst for his incredible weight loss journey.
After spending much of the Covid lockdown comfort eating, Craig saw his weight balloon. At his heaviest, he wore a 58-inch waist and struggled with basic activities, like walking his dog. Following that fateful day at the amusement park, he was spurred into action when he saw photos from his nephew’s wedding, feeling deeply ashamed of his appearance. Determined to change his life, he joined Slimming World and turned to running.
Incredibly, Craig lost 11 stone, shrinking down to 11 stone 8 pounds and losing 26 inches from his waist. He shared how the initial six months focused primarily on improving his diet, as exercise seemed overwhelming at his starting weight. However, after losing five stone, he began incorporating walking into his routine and eventually joined a gym.
Craig’s new lifestyle led him to discover a love for running. He began with short runs and steadily increased his endurance. A few months later, he completed a half marathon in one hour and 45 minutes and has even signed up for the London Marathon next year. He recently revisited Thorpe Park, where he successfully rode the Stealth – a triumphant moment that represented his transformation.
Now, Craig finds confidence in his abilities and even finished in the top 10 for Slimming World’s Man of the Year, competing against more than 33,000 participants. He expressed gratitude for the positive changes in his life, including securing his dream job that he previously would have lacked the confidence to pursue. His story is not just about weight loss but also about reclaiming a fulfilled and active lifestyle.
Craig’s transformation shows that no matter how daunting the journey may seem, with determination and the right mindset, significant changes are possible. He looks forward to being the best man at his nephew’s wedding next year, proud of the person he has become.
Source: The Mirror
