Great Cornard man achieves dramatic lifestyle change to shed five stone in weight

A man from Great Cornard is urging people to become more health-conscious after a dramatic change in lifestyle helped to control his diabetes.

Before joining his local Slimming World group, Stephen Willingham had to be treated with 64 units of insulin each day to manage his type 2 diabetes.

Following a significant change in diet, combined with regular exercise, Mr Willingham shed five stone, which means he no longer requires any medication.

After suffering from a life-threatening condition, maintaining his health had become increasingly difficult for the 70-year-old.

“I had a stroke, which caused a lot of problems,” said the father-of-two. “And, over the years, due to a lack of exercise, I put on more weight.”

After discussing the importance of improving their lifestyles, Mr Willingham and his wife, Jennifer, agreed to join a weight loss group together.

“We decided we would do something about it,” said the former aircraft engineer. “We wanted to live a little longer and we have since lost over eight stone between us.”

Due to other serious health conditions, Mr Willingham had been instructed to remain indoors during the coronavirus lockdown, with the restrictions proving challenging.

“In the beginning, we struggled to get our fresh food delivered, but our family and neighbours have been very good,” he said.

Urging people to avoid delaying improving their health, Mr Willingham added: “It took us a long time to get our heads around it, but, without a doubt, if you can do it, it’s the only way to go.”