A woman from Lincolnshire, Tammie Richards, has dramatically changed her life after a serious workplace injury that resulted in significant weight gain and multiple surgeries. Her journey to recovery began when she joined Slimming World, and she is now committed to helping others achieve their goals by leading her own support group in Metheringham.
Tammie, who had previously been close to reaching her target weight, experienced a life-altering setback when she broke her leg in a work-related accident. Prior to this, she had transitioned from a stationary job in a school to working as an electrician alongside her husband. The injury left her unable to work for 18 months, requiring several surgeries and greatly impacting her mental health.
“My leg just wouldn’t heal, and it completely and utterly affected my mental health and my life,” Tammie explained. She found herself losing her mobility and independence, which led to feelings of depression. At one point, doctors considered the possibility of amputation, a thought that filled her with fear.
As she struggled with her recovery, Tammie regained the weight she had previously lost and more. Her turning point came when her daughter began a serious relationship and conversations about future grandchildren arose. Tammie realized she needed to change her life, stating, “I’m not going to be a fat, frumpy, immobile grandma that can’t run around after her grandchildren.”
Her determination led her to rejoin Slimming World in February 2024, when her consultant, Rebecca, launched a new group in Metheringham, the first in the village since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tammie dedicated herself to the group, helping with sessions and forming friendships while successfully losing an impressive five stone.
In September 2025, she took a significant step by becoming a consultant herself, taking over the group she once attended. Tammie has expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, saying, “This journey isn’t just about weight loss; it’s about rebuilding your life. No matter how many times you fall, what matters most is finding the strength to get back up again.”
Tammie holds her sessions every Thursday at the Metheringham Village Hall. Through her work, she aims to inspire others to realize that it is never too late to make positive changes in their lives. Her story serves as a testament to resilience and the power of community support in overcoming personal challenges.
