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I went along to Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre with my husband and our two young sons, Odhran, 9, and Reuben, 6, to celebrate Andrew Lloyd Webber's award-winning Starlight Express, as it marks its first year back in London.

On arrival, Odhran stepped inside the auditorium and said 'wow!' This is :a[a theatre space]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/holidays/take-a-break-holidays/walk-in-the-footsteps-of-the-bard-at-one-of-the-most-unique-theatre-attractions/' } unlike the traditional set up, as race tracks extend into the audience and lap around the seats. The high-tech set becomes even more impressive during the performance, as moving parts open, close, rise up and lower.

This is a revival of the musical, which premiered in London in 1984. The original chugged its way out of the Apollo Victoria in January 2002 after becoming one of the longest-running West End shows.

But the production opened with huge success around the world, and in June 2024, a regenerated Starlight Express returned home to London. The critically acclaimed show has been extended for the fifth time since opening at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, and is now booking until March 2026. This year, it won seven awards at the WhatsOnStage Awards, including the prestigious Best Musical Revival, and it was nominated for three Olivier Awards - scooping the prize for Best Costume Design.

I got chatting to an older lady who'd come to see the show with her grown daughter. She'd taken her daughter to see Starlight Express back at the Apollo Victoria when she was around Reuben's age. So for them, it was a nostalgic return visit, though of course the set has greatly evolved since the 80s.

But even for us, visiting with young kids, the premise of Starlight Express felt nostalgic, as Odhran when he was a toddler was obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine and always had a vivid imagination when playing with his toy trains. So, it was easy to relate to the young boy who acts as Control in the show.

In the story, the child goes to sleep, and in his dreams his beloved trains come to life. Rusty, a downtrodden steam train dreams of wining the world championship and impressing Pearl, a first-class observation car. But he must compete against more modern engines, such as a diesel and an electric train, who are all mocking of the fact that Rusty is an old-fashioned engine. The child, as Control, oversees the competition.

Rusty seeks strength and inspiration through the legendary Starlight Express. On reading up on the show I believe the Starlight Express is supposed to a mythical train that Rusty believes can help him win.

But Odhran had a lovely interpretation of this. He pointed out that there was only a Momma train, and wondered if Starlight Express might be Rusty's deceased dad.

We had great seats right in front of the first loop of track that extends from the main stage, and we could feel the gust of wind as the cast whizzed past at high speed. There were cries of 'woah!' from the boys as one of the cast lifted a leg into the air while zooming past. It was an :a[immersive experience]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/holidays/take-a-break-holidays/monopoly-lifesized-review-the-family-favourite-board-game-meets-escape-rooms-in-this-super-fun-immersive-experience/' } , with audience participation encouraged at certain points.

It was hard to believe this cast weren't life-long skaters, but actors and singers who'd prepared for the show through a 12-week skate boot camp.

Hydra was the boys' favourite character, and since seeing the show, they've been going round singing, 'It's not a matter if, it's a matter when, for hydrogen...' They loved his combination of arrogance and vulnerability.

Vocal performances from Jeevan Braich as Rusty and Jade Marvin as Momma deserve a standout mention. Braich has a tenderness to his vocals that give emotional resonance, and Marvin has a rich voice filled with depth and soul.

The lyrics to songs such as 'Whistle at Me' and 'I Do' are a little cheesy, but perfectly pitched at a young audience.

'Totally cringe,' Odhran said, while absolutely loving these romantic moments between Rusty and Pearl!

The boys were impressed by the scooter trick riders who came on at different points in the show, and they both smiled through the entire performance.

There's nothing more satisfying than watching a live show where every single member of the cast is giving it their all.

And Starlight Express is a visual feast. It's not just the amazing set, but also the futuristic costumes and incredible hairstyles that have been carefully designed to give each character an individual look to capture the spirit of each train.

Since seeing the show, the boys have been pouring over the snazzy souvenir programme, which is filled with interesting details. One fun fact is that Mel B trained in Starlight's Skate School in the 90s but, although successful, decided to take another job (presumably The Spice Girls).

But a real test of how much of an impression a show has made on Odhran and Reuben is whether or not they request the soundtrack while traveling in the car, and we've been listening to the soundtrack to Starlight Express a lot! In the boys' love of nonsense, the lead song _Starlight Express_ has been re-interpreted as a tribute to Pizza Express, with Odhran and Reuben singing about dough balls and tasty bites.

Reuben has also been skidding along the wooden floor of our hallway in his socks, mimicking a skating action. So, we've ordered a pair of skates for his upcoming birthday.

Starlight Express certainly made an impression! If you're looking for a :a[great show for kids]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/holidays/take-a-break-holidays/if-you-only-take-the-kids-to-see-one-musical-this-year-make-it-matilda/' } , get this booked. It's fun and high-energy, and you're sure to leave with a smile on your face.

Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre is easily accessible from central London and is a five minute walk from Wembley Park Tube (Jubilee and Metropolitan lines). We were travelling from South London on a school night and wanted the boys to sleep in the car on the way home. So, we drove and used a parking app to rent a space on a local resident's driveway, which cost us £5.

Starlight Express is now booking until March 2026. Book your tickets :a[here]{href='http://www.starlightexpresslondon.com' }

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express Review

Starlight Express is a visual feast and one of the best shows you can see with kids in London right now

Closing date for June Issue is midnight 19th June 2025. Only one entry per person.


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## Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue has been extended until the end of the summer due to popularity, and we've got a family pass to give away! Scroll to the bottom and enter for the chance to WIN...

The world's first immersive Minecraft experience opened in London last month, and fans of the game won't want to miss out.

The 45-minute adventure invites visitors to rescue hapless villagers from a zombie attack and have fun entering seven biome-themed rooms. The :a[family experience]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/holidays/take-a-break-holidays/the-paddington-bear-experience-review-we-visited-this-grrreat-new-immersive-family-attraction/' } is put together through a combination of game design, storytelling and high-tech multimedia.

The world of Minecraft is projected on the walls and floors of the venue and you're handed a cool glowing device, called the Orb of Interaction, which allows you to break blocks and interact with the environment.

Get ready to solve puzzles, dodge mobs, and expect encounters with creepers, spiders, skeletons, and the cuter creatures from the world of Minecraft, such as piggies and pandas, along the way.

The :a[immersive experience]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/holidays/take-a-break-holidays/monopoly-lifesized-review-the-family-favourite-board-game-meets-escape-rooms-in-this-super-fun-immersive-experience/' } ends at the Trading Post, where visitors can purchase merch as a memento of their fun family day out.

Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue is at a brand new venue called Corner Corner at Canada Water, London.

Tickets prices start from £20 for children and £26 for adults. Find out more :a[here.]{href='https://www.minecraftexperience.com/london/' }

We've got a family pass (four tickets) to give away to the Minecraft Experience London. Note: The winner must book and visit by the end of July. Enter below, and don't forget to sign up to Take a Break's newsletter to be the first to hear about exciting competitions

https://xd.wayin.com/embed/31622186-9e26-46b9-aa37-29197215ad7e?mode=responsive&scrolling=no

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Did your dream holiday turn into a disaster? Or have you stumbled into a side hustle that’s too juicy to keep to yourself? Whatever your tale, we want to hear it - and if we love it enough to share in one of our real-life magazines, you’ll get paid up to £1,000 for your story!

At :a[The Story People]{href='https://www.thestorypeople.co.uk/?utm_source=takeabreak.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=thestorypeople&amp;utm_content=article' }, we’re always on the hunt for true stories that make readers laugh, cry, or shout, “No way!” From hilarious holiday mishaps to secret side hustles and jaw-dropping life twists, your story might be just what we’re looking for - and if it’s selected, it could be featured in one or more top UK real-life magazines.

When you share your story with :a[The Story People]{href='https://www.thestorypeople.co.uk/?utm_source=takeabreak.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=thestorypeople&amp;utm_content=article' }, you’ll deal directly with us - no agents, no middlemen. Just a warm, friendly chat with someone who’s genuinely interested in what happened to you.

✅ If your story is chosen and published, you’ll receive full payment - no hidden fees or cuts.

✅ A simple, one-on-one conversation with an experienced journalist.

✅ You’ll have final approval before anything goes to print.

✅ Your story could appear in multiple well-known magazines, giving it the audience it deserves.

So if you’ve got a story that’s real, relatable, and full of twists, we want to hear it. No pressure - :a[just fill out the form]{href='https://www.thestorypeople.co.uk/?utm_source=takeabreak.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=thestorypeople&amp;utm_content=article' } and we’ll be in touch for a chat. If your story makes it to print, you’ll get paid!

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**_My boy’s newfound talent was about to take him to dazzling new heights.  By Fiona Pike, 58_**

As the lights went up,  I beamed with pride  as my son Nathan took centre-stage, donning  a dashing waistcoat and smart bow-tie.

He was taking part in a charity ballroom dancing show, Strictly Banbury, alongside his dad, Tom.  
Neither Nathan nor Tom had any dance experience. But as Nathan’s school were going to be a beneficiary of the event, he’d been asked  to take part.  
Finishing his jive with a flourish, the crowd roared with applause.  
At the end of the show, I greeted them backstage.  
‘Well done, you two!’ I said.  
‘That was so cool!’ Nathan replied.  
I felt so proud of him, I wanted to burst.  
Nathan was our only child and he’d been born with Down’s syndrome.  
He’d achieved so much, but it hadn’t been an easy road.  
For the first three years of his life, Nathan had been in and out of hospital with various health complications.  
Tom and I had been worried out of our minds, and I’d spent countless days sleeping on a camp bed in his hospital room, refusing  to leave his side.  
Once he was discharged from hospital, it became clear that parenthood would be slightly different to how we’d imagined it.  
But to us, Nathan was nothing less than perfect.  
Throughout his childhood, we sometimes felt sad  that Nathan didn’t get to experience the things we  had growing up, like a friend coming round for a sleepover.  
But he was happy, which was all that mattered.

After Strictly Banbury, all three of us caught the dancing bug. We’d sit around the TV on Saturday nights, glued to Strictly Come Dancing.  
Nathan memorised the name of every dancer on the show, loving the glitter and glamour of it all.  
‘Why don’t we start you on some lessons?’ I said to Nathan one day.  
‘That would be great,’  he replied.  
From then on, Nathan  took lessons at a local dance school and began competing in competitions.  
One day, while I watched him dance, I got chatting to Joanne, a professional dancer and teacher at the school.

‘I’ve been watching Nathan dance and he’s brilliant,’ she began. ‘But I think he’s capable of so much more.  I’d love to teach him if you’d let me.’

‘Go for it!’ I replied.  
During their first session, Nathan was reserved, but  it wasn’t long before Joanne managed to coax him out  of his shell.  
‘What’s your favourite dance?’ she asked him.  
‘The cha-cha!’ he replied eagerly.  
‘Let’s get started on that then,’ she said.  
Soon, the pair were thick as thieves. Joanne had a knack for bringing out the best in Nathan and he worked harder than ever.  
They began entering competitions, performing in legendary locations like the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.  
Nathan thrived in front of  a crowd, and it wasn’t long before the dynamic duo were attracting attention.  
One day, I received a call from Tom at work.  
‘Joanne’s just told me she’s  been invited to audition for Britain’s Got Talent with Nathan,’ he said.  
‘What!’ I replied, astounded.  
I was over the moon that they’d recognised Nathan and Joanne’s talent.  
But we took time to consider whether we wanted to expose Nathan to the media attention, as we knew people could be unkind.  
In the end, we couldn’t turn it down. It was the opportunity of a lifetime for Nathan.  
We were told to keep the audition hush-hush, but there was one problem — Nathan couldn’t keep a secret to save his life!  
So, we decided to surprise him on the day with his reaction being filmed for  the show.  
On the morning of the audition, Nathan and around 40 other students from the dance school made their way up to Manchester.

Everybody else was in on the big surprise except Nathan, who thought he was performing at a showcase.  
While they rehearsed, one of the judges, Alesha Dixon, snuck up behind him with  a camera crew in tow.  
Once he clocked what  was going on, his face was  a picture!  
‘It’s time to tell you the real reason you’re here today,’ she said. ‘Will you audition for Britain’s Got Talent?’  
‘Yes!’ he replied.

Nathan cha-chaed his way into the live semi-finals and  I was proud as Punch.  
His fancy footwork was one thing, but it was incredible to see him proving that Down’s syndrome needn’t hold a person back.  
Off the back of the show, Nathan’s had the chance to meet some of his dancing idols such as Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.  
Shirley watched one of their performances this year and told them it was a score of 10 from her.  
I’m so proud of both Nathan and Joanne.  
Their relationship is so special.

**Photo credit: Dymond/Thames/Shutterstock**

Nathan’s got TALENT!

**_Gilly the monster racked up fans online._** **_What was going on? By Alison Weaver, 47_**

After putting away the laundry, I let out a  big sigh.

‘It’s been a long  day,’ I said to my son, Christopher, 10.  
He was holding his toy monster, Gilly.  
I’d first seen Gilly online and had adored his big googly eyes and crooked smile, so I’d bought him, and now all I wanted was to sink my face into Gilly’s fluffy blue fur.  
Somehow, giving him a hug made me feel better.  
I held him out in front of me and had him do a little dance for Christopher.  
‘Did you do your homework today?’ I said, putting on a squeaky, high-pitched voice.  
Christopher burst out laughing.  
A few days later, I asked if Christopher wanted to bring Gilly down for dinner.  
‘Who’s this joining us?’ asked my husband, Brian.  
‘Gilly’s a member of the family!’ I joked.  
Over the next few months, Gilly took turns cheering us all up. He even took on his own personality.  
‘I know it’s you behind him, but he just feels so real!’ my sister said.  
‘He’s my emotional support monster,’ I confessed. ‘I’ve even started bringing him  to work!’  
Pretty soon, all my friends and family knew Gilly.

‘I never have him to myself any more,’ Christopher said.  
So I bought everyone in the family their own Gilly, although the original was the only one who could ‘talk’.  
We all started buying dolls’ clothes for him, including a mini tuxedo. That way he could join us for formal occasions — and he even had his own seat at my cousin’s wedding!  
We’d had Gilly for five years when Christopher made a suggestion.  
‘You should try making a YouTube channel for him,’ he said. ‘He’s so good at making people happy.’  
‘You’ll need to show me how to do it,’ I replied.  
Luckily, Christopher had his own gaming channel, so he showed me the ropes.  
For Gilly’s first few videos, we filmed him horse riding, at an ice-cream parlour, and enjoying a day at the beach.  
He chatted away to the camera, bobbing happily up and down.  
As I made more videos, I got more confident.  
In one of my favourites, we showed Gilly how to use an old rotary phone at my parents’ house.  
‘But how do you send a text?’ Gilly said and the kids laughed.  
Our videos were a hit.

I’m suffering from depression and watching Gilly is the only thing that made me smile today, someone posted online.  
Our little monster was such a comfort to my family, it felt wonderful to know he could help other people, too.  
Five years after starting our YouTube channel, we began working with the Yellow Band Project as a kindness ambassador.  
The project was founded with the goal of spreading joy through everyday acts of kindness.

Now, if we’re out and about, Gilly hands out yellow bands to anyone he thinks looks like they need a smile.  
These days, we have 500 subscribers on YouTube.  
When I bought my son  a cuddly toy, I had no  idea he’d go on to be an emotional support to so many people.  
Gilly may be a little monster, but he’s a little treasure, too!

• To see Gilly share the love, go to YouTube and search ‘Gilly The Monster’.

MONSTER HUGS! My son’s cuddly toy became an internet superstar

**_I’d been dreading my wedding, but when the big day arrived,  I was finally ready to wow my guests.  By Natalie Far, 27_**

I got to the supermarket checkout and began putting my groceries on the conveyor belt. Moments later, I was panting with the effort of it.

At 31 stone, I was finding even simple things like doing the weekly shop exhausting.  
‘I just need a minute,’ I told my fiancé Aidan when we got back to the car.  
My size had always been a problem and, over the years, I’d tried loads of different ways to lose weight.  
When I’d tried the keto diet, I’d managed to lose seven stone. But then I’d fallen off the wagon and put it all back on — plus some extra.  
I didn’t eat badly, but I had large portions and often went back for seconds.  
When Aidan had popped the question a year earlier, we’d started planning our wedding. But I knew that it was going to be tough finding a gown big enough for my size 34 frame.  
And that wasn’t my only worry about our big day. The thought of having to stand for the full 20-minute ceremony filled me with dread too.  
‘What if we put a chair at the end of the aisle?’ I suggested to Aidan.  
Even as I said it, I knew sitting down to say my vows wasn’t what I wanted. But I didn’t know what else to do.  
Then soon after, we were on a family holiday in Turkey, and walking around the town, a local man rushed over and asked: ‘Are you here for the surgery?’

I stared at him, confused for a moment, and he added: ‘The weight-loss one, you’re fat.’  
That’s when the penny dropped. Turkey was renowned for weight-loss surgery and, at my size, he’d assumed that’s what I was there for.  
I didn’t blame him, though I was utterly mortified.  
But it got me thinking. And when we arrived back home in London, I did some research.  
‘I’ve been looking into a gastric sleeve,’ I told Aidan.  
‘I’ll support you,’ he replied.  
He’d seen how my weight impacted both my mental and physical health. And while my mum had too, she was concerned about me taking such drastic action.  
‘I want you to be happy, but isn’t it a bit risky?’ she asked, worried I wouldn’t survive the procedure.  
But while I had lots to look forward to with the wedding, a small part of me didn’t care if I died on the operating table. Because what I was doing now wasn’t living — it was just surviving.  
This felt like my only hope and, after lots of research, I found the perfect surgeon in the UK.  
There was just one problem — it was going to cost more than £10,000 to have it done privately.  
Luckily, I had some savings. And seeing that I was serious, Mum offered to contribute  as well.  
After my first consultation I began recording my journey on TikTok, starting with the first step — a liver-reduction diet of meal replacement shakes.  
Before long, the day of my operation arrived.  
‘I love you,’ I said to Aidan as he kissed me goodbye at the hospital doors.  
During the operation, I had 75 per cent of my stomach removed.  
When I came round, Mum and Aidan were by my side.  
‘How do you feel?’ Mum asked.  
‘A bit sore,’ I replied.  
At first, I could only have liquids. But back at home, I moved from that to a heavy protein diet.  
Soon the weight was dropping off me, and I began going out for short walks too.

Three months on, Aidan and I joined a gym so I could tone my slimming figure.  
‘I’ve actually got a waist and quite a cute bum,’ I said, examining myself in the mirror.  
Finally, the figure that had been hiding under layers of fat for years was beginning to emerge.  
And for the first time since we’d got engaged, I felt genuinely excited for the wedding.  
Knowing I’d continue losing weight right up until our big day, I waited until just three months before it to choose my dress.  
By then I’d got down to a size 16, and I felt overwhelmed by the number of dresses I had to choose from.  
I fell in love with the first dress I tried on — a beautiful ballgown with a laced corset so I could tighten the dress more as the weight came off.  
As I made my vows to Aidan on the day, I felt so amazing that I couldn’t stop smiling.  
I never imagined I would walk down the aisle in my dream dress, a whopping nine sizes smaller than when we’d got engaged.  
Now, I’ve lost more than 16 stone and I’m still going.  
Although I didn’t lose weight specifically for my wedding, I’m so glad I had the surgery before my big day.  
Every time I look at my wedding photos, rather than seeing my size, I see a woman who is happy and in love — with her husband and herself!

  
● Follow Natalie’s story on TikTok @natalieislosingit\_vsg

Where’s the bride gone? I lost more than 16 stone before my wedding day

We visited Boulebar, where you can play the traditional French boules game of pétanque for just £10 per person.

Starting out as a pop-up at London's Southbank, Boulebar proved so popular, they ended up opening a second venue at Spitalfields (a five minute walk from Liverpool Street station).

The sun was out the weekend at the end of April when we decided to visit, and the Southbank open-air space was fully booked, which is hardly surprising as pétanque is the perfect activity to enjoy outdoors, while sipping on a refreshing spritz and enjoying a bite to eat from one of the street-food vendors at the venue.

So, we visited the Spitalfields branch, and while this venue is indoors, the greenery, murals, festoon lights, and gravel court allowed you free transported into the charming port city of Marseille, where pétanque is a local favourite pastime.

We first came across pétanque on a :a[Eurocamp holiday to the South of France]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/holidays/take-a-break-holidays/enjoy-a-family-holiday-on-the-french-riviera-for-less-than-the-cost-of-a-week-in-centre-parcs/' }. Groups of French families were playing on long summer evenings, and it looked like such a relaxing way to enjoy quality time together. But, though the activity was open to all guests, we didn't know the rules and weren't fluent enough in French to ask, so we couldn't join in.

But at Boulebar, we finally got to grips with the rules of the sport. The booking gives you 90 minutes on one of the courts for groups of two to six.

To start the game, team one throws the jack (a little orange ball). We decided on who threw the jack by a simple game of rock, paper, scissors. Every throw must be taken stood inside a red circle. Each team then throws their starting boule (a heavy metal ball - one team is smooth, the other patterned). The team that is furthest away from the jack continues to throw until they are closest, or (as in my case) they've used up all their boules (six boules per team).

The aim of the game is to try and get as close to the jack as possible, and you can be tactical by knocking away your opponents' boules (a manoeuvre too joyfully used by my mercilessly competitive husband). There's even a measuring tape, in case any arguments should arise about whose boule is closest to the jack. The team closest to the jack gets one point for each boule closer than the opposing team's best boule. But in the end, whoever gets to 13 points first is the winner. If that all sounds too complicate, don't worry, the friendly staff are happy to help out.

The clank of the metal balls was a satisfying sound (especially when it meant knocking my husband off the top spot!) and sometimes there were even sparks on the gravel! We played a couple of games and in one I was not only defeated but annihilated - though that didn't make it any less fun.

Maddie was a great server, on hand to tell us a little about the history of the game, talk us through the rules, and take our drinks order. Getting into the spirit of the summer, I ordered the Spritz De Passion, a refreshing blend of Lillet Blanc, passion fruit liqueur and Pampelle, topped off with Crémant. My husband chose the Maggi Chaud, a mixture of pineapple, white cocoa liqueur, tequila, lime and jalepeño salt. Cocktails were priced at £12.95. I also sipped on a delicious Sauvignon Blanc (£12.95 for a large glass) during our game, and my husband had a Brooklyn beer (£7.10 a pint). But you could also pop along during the day and sip on a nice coffee.

The experience made it easy to feel like we'd drifted away into holiday mode in the sun-drenched region of Provence.

Maddie told us they get lots of families visiting, and we saw a couple there with a young child in a pushchair. Kids are welcome until 8pm. It's a sport that doesn't involve any running or great physical exertion, making it perfect for all ages from kids to grandparents (in fact, I'm thinking of revisiting with my mother-in-law). Boulebar is also a dog-friendly venue. So the whole family is welcome!

The Spitalfields venue has a stylish mezzanine level bar, and the courts are downstairs, next to an inviting restaurant. After our game we enjoyed a sit-down bite to eat. We chose a sharing platter of Tour De Verde - artichoke dip and a tomato/bell pepper cream cheese dip, chickpea fritters and veggies ((£16), alongside melon and feta cheese salad (£9) and french fries served with a delicious chive mayo (£5). The food was really flavoursome, and for dessert we shared the moreish Pot Aux Fraises - white chocolate and cream cheese mousse with strawberries on a base of browned lemon butter and roasted chocolate (£9.50).

If you're looking to enjoy the laid-back charm of Provence, then hit the gravel at Boulebar. Bringing French leisure the heart of the city, it's the perfect place to unwind. Find out more :a[here]{href='https://www.boulebar.co.uk' }

Have a boule this summer at the family-friendly venue where all ages can soak up the sunshine vibes of the South of France…

**_Nicki Richardson-Aktolga, 54, was a weight-loss consultant with a spicy secret until she finally changed her old ways_**

As I waved goodbye to my last client of the day, there was just one thing on my mind – chicken jalfrezi with pilau rice and a Peshwari naan.

We had our local Indian restaurant on speed dial and I shouted to my son, Alex, ‘Go and grab us a takeaway, love.’

Aged 49, I’d spent my day working as an award-winning The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan consultant, coaching women to stay on-plan and avoid temptation. But the one person I couldn’t help was myself as  I was 16 stone and a dress size 20 to 22.

I’d battled with my weight all my life and always turned to food for comfort.

In 2007, after my relationship with Alex’s dad broke down and I became a single mum, I dropped 6st on  the plan and overhauled my life. When I married my now-husband Levent in April 2009, I wore  a size 10 wedding dress.

Over the next decade,  as a consultant, I helped thousands of people lose weight. I was good at my job – so good, in fact, that I became one of the company’s leading consultants, with a team of hundreds across the UK and Northern Ireland.

But on the inside I was struggling after severe endometriosis left me in constant pain and in 2016, I had a total hysterectomy, which plunged me straight into a medical menopause, aged 43.

For comfort, I snacked on sweeties and made cheese toasties for lunch and sent Alex, 18, straight out to grab an Indian takeaway as soon as my last client of the day left.

By November 2019, I’d accepted  a Diamond Champion award for the success  I’d had with my clients. I wore a size 16 dress to the ceremony and felt frumpy, not sexy.

Conscious of my size, I used every excuse under the sun. I told clients I’d been put on new medication, or I had to eat because I felt dizzy.

Meanwhile,  I started a new  diet every Monday, jotting down my starting weight and drawing a progress chart on my white board, before immediately falling off the wagon. My clients were doing great but I was failing and it made me miserable.

By the time Covid hit in early 2020, I had severe stomach problems and struggled to digest my food properly. Eventually,  I was diagnosed with Bile Acid Malabsorption, IBS and Diverticulitis. When a doctor suggested I try protein shakes  to build up my strength, I had  a brainwave – my house was full of The 1:1 by Cambridge Weight Plan products! The bars, soups and shakes are all nutritionally balanced, so it was the sign  I needed to get back on plan.

Within four months, from that May to August,  I’d lost nearly 5st and my bowel symptoms were easing, I felt better and stronger.

But in 2022, after falling down a flight of stairs, I suffered another blip. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and a crumbling spine. Once again I began to eat my emotions, developing an obsession with Drumstick sweeties and buttermilk mints. I could eat a pack a day.

Back on the scales in January 2024, I’d nudged up to 13st 12lb. But this time I wasn’t going to lose control. Back on plan with no cheating, I set myself a target of being two stone down for  a holiday to Las Vegas that summer.

This time, I also worked on my mindset. I told myself  that despite suffering periods  of ill health, there was no point stressing about the things I couldn’t change. I made the most of my good days and boosted myself with positive affirmations.

My cup-half-full attitude really resonated with my clients too. At The 1:1 by Cambridge Weight Plan awards in November 2024, I wore a size 10 gown and felt amazing.

I was given the award for Diamond Elite Champion, out of 6000 consultants, and was so proud of myself and  how I’d come.

Now, I’m down to 10st 4lb and a size 8 to 10 – I haven’t been that slim since my wedding day!

I’m so proud of my weight loss journey, despite its ups and downs, and I think I’m living proof that no matter what happens, you can fall off the wagon and get back on again. I’m a woman in my 50s with chronic illnesses and I can still lose weight and boost my health.

These days, I no longer feel like a hypocrite when I’m working with my clients. They know I’m authentic because I’ve walked the walk and earned my stripes the hard way.

**_If you’re interested in finding out more about the plan, find Nicki on Facebook by searching for Nicki Richardson-Aktolga_**

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