I'll never LOOK BACK

When it came to losing weight, Donna Wybrow faced a steep challenge

- MISHAAL KHAN

Standing at the bottom of the hill, I looked up at the climb ahead of me. It was September 2021 and my husband Michael, then 56, and I were on our way to watch our youngest daughter Lucy, then 22, graduate from the University of Lincoln. The ceremony took place at Lincoln Cathedral, at the top of Steep Hill, which meant parking at the bottom and walking up. We’d done the same three years earlier when our eldest, Laura, had graduated. Back then, I’d faced an almighty struggle. I huffed and puffed, sweating profusely, as I made my way forward. I had to stop for breaks and use the handrail to propel myself uphill. And by the time I reached the top, I was flustered and red-faced, and when I saw the professional photos after the ceremony, I hated the way I looked. I’d vowed to make changes before Lucy’s graduation – and here I was.

Before having my girls, I’d been a size 12 to 14 and weighed 10st. But pregnancy naturally added some extra weight, which I never managed to shift.

Over the years, I ate what I pleased. I skipped breakfast and by lunchtime, I had already snacked on several biscuits. Throughout the day I picked at biscuits and crisps, and if I was peckish before dinner I reached for a bag of cheese and onion crisps to fill the gap. Fruit and vegetables didn’t factor into my meals as we tucked into rich curries and cheesy pasta dishes.

While I had a gym membership and occasionally went with friends, we spent our time in the steam room or cafe. At work, as a healthcare assistant for the NHS, I was on my feet all day but by the time I got home I was exhausted and fell asleep in front of the TV. It was always a struggle to peel myself off the sofa before bed.