'I couldn't even run around and play with the kids... I wanted to make sure I'd be here for them'

A mum who managed to lose a whopping seven stone has opened up about her incredible transformation. Julie Lancake saw her weight balloon to 17 stone following years of snacking on unhealthy treats.

The 62-year-old, from Audenshaw, was a dress size 20 when she decided to change her lifestyle habits for good. Through calorie counting and going for long walks, the mum-of-two watched as the weight dropped off.

But like many others, the out of school manager gained weight throughout lockdown, leaving her unhappy in her appearance once more. That’s when she discovered Greater Manchester and Cheshire weight loss group Beeweighed, signing up to the Denton branch in September 2023.

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Julie now tips the scales at around 10 stone, meaning she’s lost an incredible seven stone since embarking on her weight loss journey. “I lost weight but put a lot back on over lockdown,” she told the Manchester Evening News. “I tried to lose weight again myself but I wasn't as disciplined so I ended up joining the group.

“It was just unhealthy eating and eating the wrong types of foods. I love my chocolate and crisps. “When I was younger and had the kids, that’s when the weight went on. I wasn’t able to run around and play with them. I wanted to make sure I became healthier and would be here for them.”

Julie says her size left her with very little confidence over the years. “Everyone always said when I was dressed up that I looked smart in everything,” she added. “But I never felt good. I always felt as though there wasn’t a lot of confidence to be honest.

“When I dress up and go out, I do feel more confident, but I still look at