A WHOLE LOT SLIMMER: Siblings Sandra Hall, David O'Brien and Regina Lynch lost almost 18 stone in weight between them. Photo: Michelle Crean

EXCLUSIVE

By Michelle Crean

Three Killarney siblings are looking a whole lot different these days – after losing almost 18 stone!

David O’Brien (47) from Glenflesk lost a whopping 8 stone 1Ib in a year, his sister Regina Lynch (45), also from Glenflesk, shed 7 stone, while their eldest sister Sandra Hall (51) from Arbutas Grove lost 2 and a half stone.

Their journey began after Regina started her weight loss journey with Marie’s Slimming World in April 2018.

Her change in lifestyle over the following months went on to inspire Sandra who joined in January last year, with David joining up just a week later.

David (47), who is a chef, lost the most - a whopping 8 stone 1Ib. His starting weight was 19 stone 9 and a half pounds and it has transformed his life so much so that he went on his first foreign holiday.

“It is hard as I’m a chef and you pick away,” David told the Killarney Advertiser. “I had to have willpower but I found it very easy to follow the SW plan. I went on my first ever sun holiday as I finally had the confidence to do it. I couldn’t run last July but am now looking at doing the Cork marathon in May.”

He added that health wise, he’s now in the best shape of his life.

“My skin was bad, my feet and ankles were swollen and I had bad psoriasis all over my legs and arms. I was borderline diabetic last year. Everything is now perfect.”

Regina was the second biggest loser - going from 16 stone 6Ibs to 9 stone 6Ibs – and says that customers no longer recognise her in O’Connors Newsagents, where she works.

“My weight was up and down, I tried everything, literally,” she explained.

“I have lived here all my life and worked in O’Connors for years and many customers don’t recognise me!”

Regina took up running as well as hill and mountain climbing, and says she’ll stay with Slimming World to maintain her weight.

“I’d be afraid I’d gain again.”

Sandra, who works in Revive Café in New Street, added that she had only a small amount to lose but feels fitter and healthier than ever.

“I was 10 and a half stone. I just felt I needed it as I’m getting older. The support from the group is great.”