A MOTHER whose life 'changed dramatically' after she was hospitalised with Covid-19 has shared her weight loss journey.

Sarah Hutchings, from Basingstoke, says she knew she 'had to get her head in the game' after she had to spend ten days in a high-dependency unit in hospital in July 2021 after contracting the Coronavirus.

The mother-of-eight had long Covid after leaving the hospital, experiencing breathlessness, fatigue, high blood pressure, brain fog and aches and pains.

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Sarah after her weight lossSarah after her weight loss (Image: Sarah Hutchings)

"Doctors also discovered that I was bordering on diabetes, and not being able to move as much, more weight piled on," said Sarah.

She continued: "Assistance from the doctor was poor as they now wanted to blame all my ailments on my weight."

Sarah spent all her life as an 'epic dieter' but 'always fell back into her old habits with beer and football at weekends' combined with 'takeaways and snacks'.

"I wouldn't have said that I was happy with my weight but I was content with life, and with eight children life has always been busy and full," she added.

However, Sarah said her time spent in the hospital left her feeling 'frustrated, despondent and at her wit's end' and she knew that 'something had to change'.

Sarah contacted a Slimming World consultant in Basingstoke to kick start her weight loss journey as she knew she had to 'take this seriously' as she 'needed to be around for my children'. 

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She explained that attending her first group meeting in Popley was nerve-wracking, but that she was made to feel welcome and 'embraced all' that she was taught.

Inspired by her weight loss, which saw her drop seven stone from 17 stone 5.5 lbs to 10 stone 2lbs, Sarah trained as a consultant for Slimming World and is now starting her own group.

She said: "For the first time in my life I feel confident to follow my dream and to share my success with others giving them the tools to change their lives forever and follow their dream.  I’m loving my new role and can’t wait to welcome you to my group."

Sarah's Slimming World group will be held at Melrose Hall in Abbey Road every Wednesday at 4pm and 5.30pm from November 13.

Participants can either pop along on the day or call Sarah on 07737366442 for more information.