I stepped on to the scales at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital and saw that I weighed a whopping 157.9kg. I stood there and felt like my life had hit an all time low.

I had no social life, no clothes that fitted me and no confidence. But it wasn’t until the embarrassment of not being able to fit into a pair of 7 XL pants for my brother’s wedding that I realised this is not who I wanted to be. I decided I wanted to lose 10kg before the wedding, not just for myself but for my family.

I joined up to an Ultra Lite program and with the support from my wife, friends and family I managed to work off 10kg in just one week!

Because of my weight loss, I have more confidence. I also have a better social life and have taken up cha cha and rock’n’roll dance lessons, which I love! Each morning I go to the gym, I love to walk and I can now ride a bike – something I’ve wanted to do for years.

I had a lot of health difficulties, like type 2 diabetes, unstable cholesterol and variable blood pressure but these difficulties proved minor compared with the passing away of my wife of 38 years, Christine, due to an unexpected heart attack. She was my inspiration, comfort and constant support. Christine always cooked my meals and watched out for my health. Now it was up to me to keep going. I know that she is always with me in spirit encouraging me to work harder and I hold on to that.

Thanks to staff at Plunkett's Chemmart Pharmacy.