What made you join Unislim, Darren?

My weight gain was a gradual process - at first I didn't really notice the weight going on and I suppose I didn't really care. But in 2000 - when I had just started my new job as an EMT, I found that I was eating on the go, buying fast foods eating just for the sake of it, then I'd go home and eat again. When I went abroad on holidays I was almost 18 stone and I found it a tight squeeze in the plane seats.

How did your weight loss plan go?

I found it very hard at first counting units and watching everything I ate and having to walk every evening. As the weeks went on I found myself attending the Unislim class, I found that I was losing weight. My class leader Yvonne would set temporary targets, which made it easier and more realistic. The talks I found a great help.

How have your eating habits changed?

Realising that you have to check every food item for fat and sugar content has changed my eating habits. Just before Christmas I had two stone lost, my whole outlook on life has changed, I'm now walking between 3 and 5 miles five times per week.

What's the best thing about having lost weight?

Now I weigh in at 14st 5lbs and I can't believe how good I feel, my blood pressure, which was creeping up slowly is now normal. I love going for walks, and I find I have much more energy and vitality I would never go back to the way I was before.

What advice would you give to others who want to lose weight?

Unislim really kept me focused on reaching my goal. Bring a friend - although you have to want to lose the weight yourself - but by bringing a friend, you can motivate each other. Now it's down to me to keep to my ideal weight. I've got a new lease of life and I don't intend to ever let it go.