A father-of-two has revealed how a family wedding in Italy became the catalyst for an incredible life-changing transformation, after his poor health left him feeling miserable and unable to enjoy the celebration.
The Turning Point in Sorrento
Richard Perry weighed more than 27 stone when he travelled to Sorrento for his niece's wedding in the summer of 2023. The trip, which should have been a joyous occasion, was overshadowed by the severe toll of his weight. Suffering from exhaustion and misery due to hyperglycaemia from his type 2 diabetes, he found himself distancing from his family.
This low point, combined with the reality of taking 15 prescribed tablets daily to manage conditions including high blood pressure and diabetes, forced him to confront his health. The 45-year-old single dad from Tipton decided he needed to make a drastic change for the sake of his children, Olivia and Thomas.
Joining Slimming World and Gaining a New Life
In October 2023, Richard took the first step by joining his local Slimming World group in Tipton. His commitment to the programme yielded astonishing results. Two years on, he has shed a staggering 11 stone 7.5lbs, bringing his weight down to 15 stone 8.5lbs.
The physical transformation has been profound. A spokesperson for Slimming World outlined the dramatic shift: "Things Richard couldn’t do before, putting on socks without holding his breath, swimming 50 lengths, walking 10km daily, riding a bike, running, fitting into a plane seat without an extension are now part of his life."
His health metrics have improved beyond recognition. He has gone from 15 tablets a day to just three. Acid reflux has gone, gout and cholesterol medications are being phased out, and his blood pressure and diabetes medication have been dramatically reduced.
A Liberating New Chapter
The benefits have extended far beyond the physical. Emotionally and mentally, Richard has been reborn. He now cooks weekly 'fakeaways' with his children, who attend support meetings with him. In a powerful symbol of his new-found confidence, he took a solo holiday abroad in October 2025.
"It was liberating," he realised. "He realised the 'old Richard' was gone, replaced by someone stronger, healthier, and happier."
Embracing his new lease on life, Richard has booked another solo trip for 2026, signed up to donate blood, and registered to volunteer at the Birmingham Christmas Shelter. The Slimming World spokesperson concluded: "Slimming World hasn’t just helped Richard lose weight it’s given him his life back. No clichés, just fact. He’s the fittest, healthiest, and most confident he’s ever been. And this journey isn’t over he’s excited for what’s next."
