Reverend O’Connell Feels Transformed After Losing 9 Stone
Reverend O’Connell Feels Transformed After Losing 9 Stone
A member of the clergy has lost 9 stone after undergoing gastric bypass surgery and joining Active Nation’s Yarborough Leisure Centre.
Reverend Mary O’Connell has been based in Lincoln for the last 16 years and has just retired on her 65 th birthday. Nearly 12 months ago Rev O’Connell went under the knife at the Royal Derby Hospital and since that day she hasn’t looked back!
She said: “I have always struggled with my weight even as a child because of health problems and resulting lack of exercise.
“My transformation hasn’t all been due to Active Nation – the NHS gave me a gastric bypass and Active Nation gave me the help I needed to make the most of the operation.
“I have been coming to Yarborough Leisure Centre for a few months now and I am losing weight and toning up so well that people who have known me for years aren’t recognising me. When they do realise, they all say I am looking very well.”
In recent years Rev O’Connell’s weight peaked at more than 20 stone. But since the operation this has been falling and she is now only a few pounds away from her target weight of 11 stone.
Rev O’Connell enjoys coming to group exercise classes. She added: “Finding exercise that I can do and that I enjoy has been a great help. The music and rhythm of dance classes is enjoyable, so is the company. Everyone is cheerful and positive and having fun.”
Rev O’Connell hopes that by talking about her experiences she can help others. She said: “I do feel like I have been given a new lease of life – I feel I have been transformed.
“If anyone out there is down because they are overweight and unfit, be encouraged – as my story shows it’s never too late to make a change for the better.
If you have been inspired by Rev O’Connell’s story and want to know how Active Nation can help you – please have a chat with the team either by calling your nearest venue or by popping in.
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Posted By: Lesley Barton on June 23rd, 2014 3:36 pm
Wow Mary you look fantastic and so much like my Grandmother you Great Auntie May!
Well done you enjoy your retirement.
Posted By: Mary O’Connell on July 1st, 2014 9:00 pm
Dear Lesley,
Lovely to hear from you! I didn’t know this website could be seen round the nation. I am so glad to know I look like your grandmother, my Great Aunt May! How nice!
I am still at the Vicarage but am moving sometime this summer to a Pensions Board bungalow the other side of Lincoln. I suppose you are a few years off retirement yourself?