It’s the London Marathon on Sunday 27th April, and as that colourful crowd of runners streams over the capital’s iconic Tower Bridge, you might just spot some of our amazing Slimming World team.
Daniel Wells, 42, has lost 4st (25kg) with Slimming World, and will be running to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
“As a soldier, I was deployed on operations around the world and dealt with some very tough situations. It was rewarding, and I became well-decorated for my service – even receiving a Commendation from The Queen. However, the things I saw took a toll, and it turned into a very dark time in my life. I began exercising less and gained a lot of weight as I used comfort eating and drinking in excess as a coping mechanism.
I took on a specialist role, which meant I could forego some of the physical requirements of mainstream military – and it gave me the perfect excuse not to exercise. The job required me to use my brain and not my body… which is obviously just as valid, but the impact it had on my pride was too much to handle. Because of my weight, I started to actively avoid courses and deployments I needed for career progression, as well as steering clear of social occasions with family and friends. I cancelled family holidays, as I couldn’t face the idea of going on a beach holiday and being seen just in my shorts.
🚨 Flash offer 🚨 Get 50% off the Race for Life entry fee
I’d been a Slimming World member in the past, and I knew I’d be welcomed back to group. Although I was feeling low, I needed to find the courage to take control of my weight and responsibility for my future health.
My blood pressure has always been on the high side, and the extra weight pushed it to unhealthy levels. I’ve always suffered from heartburn, too, and took medication for it before I was in the Army. With Slimming World’s help to make healthier swaps, I’m still eating the foods I love (such as steak and chips), and my health issues have disappeared!
As I began losing weight, my Consultant, Julie, and the group encouraged me to get back to exercising again. I slowly built up my activity levels by exploring different machines at the gym, then I started going out running – seeing my progress made it easier to keep going.
Julie has been amazing throughout my weight loss journey. She’s helped me to believe in myself and supported me every step of the way. I was over the moon to find out that we’d both got places on the 2025 Slimming World London Marathon team, and will be experiencing it together.
I’ll be running the London Marathon for Cancer Research UK, a charity very close to my heart as my brother-in-law has prostate cancer, which has spread to his lymph nodes and his bones. My family is just one of many affected by this awful disease. We have to find a cure and I’m determined to help however I can.”
Daniel attends the St Martin and St Hilda Church Hall Slimming World group, run by Consultant and fellow marathon team member, Julie Edwards.
You can find Daniel’s fundraising page here.
If you’re feeling inspired to give running a go, you’ll find a step-by-step training plan on our exclusive member website and app. Start today and you could join us running Race for Life this summer!
