A West End grandmother's weight loss means she has rediscovered how to walk without the aid of crutches.

Julie Kemish, 70, had an accident more than 40 years ago when she slipped on ice and cracked her coccyx.

Since then, the grandmother of five said she had constant treatment and visits from chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists.

By 2009 she was in need of a bilateral hip replacement.

Julie said: “By March 2022 I could only walk with the aid of crutches. I spiralled with depression and comfort ate as a result.”

At nearly 17 stone, and speaking with a consultant about her second hip replacement, Julie was told she would need to lose 3 or 4 stone before she had the hip replaced.

She continued: “I needed help. So in July 2022 I joined Kay Godwin’s Slimming World group in West End, Southampton.

“I went to the meetings on a mobility scooter and carrying crutches.

“Getting on the scales and keeping still was a challenge, but everyone was so kind and welcoming. I weighed 15st 11lbs.

“It was enlightening, I met a different type of consultant in Kay, one who didn’t judge me, who listened to my needs and offered me guidance.

“In the first week I lost 7lbs. It gave me confidence and the impetus I needed.”

The grandmother said that she had her second hip replacement on her 70th birthday in on January 23, 2023.

Six weeks before the operation, she had lost 3st 10lb and weighed 12st 1lb.

She added: “The health issues which have plagued me when overweight, have settled considerably. 

“I am not advocating weight loss as a cure but it has relieved my symptoms and made my life so much easier.

“I have made changes in the way I shop, cook and eat.

"Although I am still getting to grips with walking, I am able to walk the dog each day, without the aid of crutches."