I wanted to run around with my grandchildren – Martin’s story

Martin Burroughs, 69 years old from Bury St Edmunds accessed the 12-week weight management programme with Feel Good Suffolk after he was referred for support via his doctor.

We spoke to him to find out more about his experience on the course, and how it has helped him…

Why did you join the 12-week weight management programme?

My doctor referred me to the Feel Good Suffolk programme after they discovered that my blood pressure had increased and I had gained quite a bit of weight since retiring from work. I went from being very active, cycling to work every day and heavy lifting at work all day, to being at home more where I was less active and eating more.

I didn’t quite know what I was letting myself in for, but I have thoroughly enjoyed it, and it has been a real eye-opener.

What did you like about the programme?

The advisors who run the course are brilliant. They don’t just talk at you; they allow discussion too and they encourage it amongst the group, but it is really good. More importantly, though, they listen!

They are very good, and I really would recommend the programme.

What have you achieved since attending the programme?

I have successfully managed more than half a stone already, but I am now being more active again too. I am swimming once per week, I use the gym, I am running and doing other exercises as well.

I have reduced my portion sizes and I’m now doing more voluntary work, which means I am not sitting at home eating too much.

Other than your doctors’ recommendations, did anything else motivate you to attend the programme?

It was mainly for my health really, but also for my grandchildren. I wanted to ensure that I could still be active with them. We are taking them away in the Easter holidays so I want to ensure I can run around with them.

What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?

Being part of a group, I think. When I first started there were only a couple of us but because it was a rolling group, more people joined as the weeks went on. It was great to hear about other people’s experiences and it was useful when discussing different topics.

I found the topics interesting and the topics that stood out for me were sleep and stress. I have had a difficult upbringing and so I sometimes struggle to sleep.

I have learnt so many things I would have never known without being on the programme. It has been really educational, and I have been able to apply the learning to my own life.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining the programme?

I would thoroughly recommend it; it’s a very good course. You are listened to and never judged which I think is very important. You get lots of helpful advice and support which is great, but it is then up to you to make the changes yourself.

Martin from Bury St. Edmunds – You are listened to and never judged!