Slimming duo congratulated by football star after scoring incredible 25st 7.5lbs weight loss

Daniel Wilkins, 46, and Dave Barnes, 38 both secured a place in the final of Slimming World’s 2024 Man of the Year competition, where they also met former England midfielder and pundit Lee Sharpe.

Daniel and Dave were invited after being nominated for the accolade by their fellow Slimming World group members. They were joined by 37 other inspirational male slimmers at Slimming World’s Head Office in Derbyshire.

Daniel, who slimmed from 24st 12lbs to 14st, says: “I’d been unhappy with my weight for a while, yet I just didn’t face up to it. Deep down I wanted to lose weight, but I didn’t want or really know how to ask for help. I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive about joining a Slimming World group, but I soon started to recommend it to all my mates who wanted to lose weight too. If you told me a few years ago that I would be representing my local Slimming World group at the national finals of the Man of the Year competition, I wouldn’t have believed you – I still can’t really believe it!”

Daniel says that the support he found at his Slimming World group has been key to his success. He says: “I didn’t really know what to expect when I first walked through the doors, but everyone was warm and welcoming. We’re all there for the same reason – to lose weight and to feel good. Going along every week now just feels like a catch up with my friends, we motivate each other, share tips and recipe ideas and just generally support each other every step of the way.

Dave who joined Slimming World weighing 26st 8.5lbs and is now 11st 13lbs continues: “I’ve always thought that in order to lose weight I’d have to restrict myself, miss out on things and, worse, that I’d always feel hungry, but I’ve been able to still enjoy my favourite meals like jerk chicken and rice, chicken tikka and chilli con carne. I’ve just learnt how to prepare and cook them differently now and if I’m honest I enjoy them so much more.”

As well as losing weight, Dave is more active too. He says: “As the weight came off I started to feel more energetic and wanted to try something new. I was really inspired by Slimming World’s physical activity support programme, which encourages you to make small and sustainable steps towards getting more active. I’ve since taken up walking and cycling.”

Lee, who during his career played for Manchester United and Leeds United won three Premier League titles and a total of eight caps for England, is no stranger to success himself. He said he was blown away by the achievements of the men he met at the competition: “As a footballer, health and fitness has formed a huge part of my life, so I know how much effort and dedication it can take to stay fit and healthy – both mentally and physically. It was a pleasure to meet Daniel and Dave – I can’t believe their transformations, They don’t look like the same guys!

“I think a lot of men find it difficult to admit they have a problem with something and then seek the help they need to fix it – and not just when it comes to weight. It’s not an easy thing to do so they have my utmost respect.”

Donna Dean, who runs the Rushden Slimming World group Daniel attends says she’s incredibly proud: “Daniel’s determination and motivation has never faded – he’s a real inspiration to all of the other members and I hope he inspires other people in Northamptonshire to join our supportive Slimming World group and take the first step towards losing weight for good.”

Alaina Jones, who runs Dave’s Irthlingborough Slimming World group continues: “Men often think Slimming World isn’t a man’s world but research shows that men lose more weight than women when they join, as well as dramatically improving their physical and mental health. We love to welcome new members to our groups visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk for more information of where to find your nearest group.”

Unfortunately, neither Daniel nor Dave were the overall winners of the competition. The national title winner for Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2024 competition will be announced later this month.