JABS saved me

After her sister died, Hope Lancaster Colquhoun, 42, made her mother a solemn promise

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My sister was only 51 when she died. Keli suffered kidney failure linked to her type 2 diabetes and, after spending her final year on dialysis, she passed away in May 2022. No parent should have to bury a child, and watching my mum Debbie bury Keli, I made a vow - I wouldn't let her go through that pain again. It was time to get my weight, and my health, under control.

My weight problems started young. With eight children to feed, Mum cooked dinners in bulk, like pasta and meat. Seconds were encouraged, with ice cream for pudding. Despite all this, I still snacked on slices of ham in the middle of the night. I was large compared with my school friends, and when I was 12, Mum took me along to a weight-loss group. My size didn't bother me, though.