FAB AT 40

With a milestone birthday approaching, Jo SiebkeDowler was determined to get fit

- FRANCESCA WOODSTOCK

Looking at photos of my 30th birthday, it was hard to believe almost 10 years had passed. It was now January 2020 and, since August 2011, I’d married, had children and moved to a new town. But one thing had remained the same – my weight.

When I’d turned 30, I’d just got engaged to Richard, then 33. I spent my birthday with friends, eating pizza and drinking champagne, but as soon as the celebrations were over, it was time to change.

With my wedding to look forward to, I joined Slimming World, at 5ft 4½in, 13st 11lb and a size 18. I ditched the junk food and began cooking from scratch. When Richard and I got married in Jamaica in 2013, I’d slimmed to 11st 8lb and a size 14.

‘You look stunning,’ Richard said as we exchanged vows on the beach, and I felt it.

COMFORT EATING