Sharon Russell

There’s nothing like a near death experience to motivate you into a healthier lifestyle.

My wake-up call came in 2019 on a family holiday in Japan. It was Christmas Eve, and I suffered a major stroke – total paralysis down the left side of my face and body. It was such a scary thing for me and my family to go through and even though I have fully recovered with no obvious side effects I was determined from that day on to live a better life and take better care of myself. The next year was spent seeing every doctor under the sun trying to find the cause – regular visits to my GP, neurologists, cardiologists, nutritionists, and countless visits to pathology to give blood for all the tests I had to do. It was a small price to pay for being alive and well. They finally found what they think was the cause – a hole in my heart that I have since had repaired. Deep down though I had always feared that my unhealthy weight and lifestyle had also contributed to it and I knew I had to do something to get that part of my life back under control.

So, in February this year I reached out to a friend whom I saw was having amazing results at Vision and she set up an interview for me. I have not looked back. 21kg down and still more to come I am reaping the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle. I have more energy, no more back pain and loads more confidence in myself. I am feeling amazing and am back in a size that I haven’t been able to wear in years. The Vision holistic approach to my weight loss has meant that I am not only understanding about the foods I am eating – but I am participating in group training sessions and weight training that I really love. The training sessions are so much fun, and I am seeing real results with each month that passes. The Vision community here are also so very friendly and supportive. I felt at home the minute I walked through the doors.

I am looking forward to continuing my weight loss journey in the coming months with my amazing trainer so that when I go travelling next year I am equipped with the tools and techniques that will enable me to continue to make smart choices with my food and exercise whilst still enjoying my holiday.