Rothwell man's life was saved twice

Phil didn’t join Slimming World in Rothwell because he wanted to drop a few pounds, he joined because he was frightened.

Consultant Caroline Sykes said: "After seeing a man who had lost his legs to diabetes, he went home and told his wife Pat that they were joining the group. It was a moment of clarity that would end up saving his life more than once."

At over 20 stone, Phil was living with severe diabetes and relying on insulin. Everyday tasks were becoming harder. His world was shrinking.

Then, in 2020, came a devastating diagnosis: bowel cancer. Doctors told him that if he hadn’t already begun losing weight, he might not have survived the surgery.

With the support of Slimming World, and Pat’s dedication in preparing every Food Optimising meal, Phil embraced a new way of eating that didn’t feel restrictive.

“All my favourite foods,” he said. “Cooked breakfasts, steak, burgers… all on plan.”

For the first time, weight loss didn’t feel like punishment. It felt like hope and the results spoke for themselves. At more than four stone lighter, Phil felt better than he had in years.

Phil said he found support in the Slimming World group and added: “Members supported me through setbacks, celebrated my victories, and reminded me that I wasn’t alone.

"That sense of belonging, the camaraderie, the laughter, the shared determination is what makes Slimming World different. It’s what keeps people going long after the novelty of a “fresh start” fades.”

As the weight came off, Phil’s world opened up and he added: “I can move about, do things I couldn’t do before. I go walking for miles and miles. I enjoy the gym.”

And then came the moment he never imagined possible: after years of relying on insulin, Phil reversed his diabetes completely. He came off all medication. He felt stronger, fitter, and more alive than he had in decades.

But life had one more test in store. In June 2025, Phil suffered a heart attack. It was sudden, frightening, and could easily have been fatal. But this time, the story was different.

Surgeons told him that had he not lost the weight, he would not have survived. His commitment to his health, his courage, his consistency, his willingness to change had saved his life again.

A stent was fitted, and thanks to his improved fitness and healthier body, Phil recovered fully. Today, he is cancer‑free, diabetes‑free, and living with a heart that has been given a second chance.

The scale of the issue across the UK is stark. Around 1.4 million people are living today after surviving a heart attack and more than 170,000 people die from heart and circulatory diseases each year.

Phil’s story is a testament to what can happen when compassion meets science, when community meets courage, and when someone decides that their future is worth fighting for.

Consultant Caroline added: “Stories like Phil’s show just how powerful community support, evidence-based guidance and sustainable lifestyle changes can be.

"It’s been such a pleasure to be part of his weight loss journey and to see Phil turn his heart health around.

"Eating more healthily and becoming more active are two of the most effective ways to protect your heart – but we know changing habits isn’t always easy.

"That’s why the motivation, encouragement and practical support members get in our weekly Slimming World groups help people, like Phil, turn small steps into long term, heart healthy habits. Combined with our satisfying, flexible eating plan, members lose weight while still enjoying their food.”

Caroline holds her groups at Rothwell Baptist Church, LS26 0PG every Thursday morning at 7.30am, 9am or 11am or to find your nearest group, visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk