Cheshire: Slimmer loses 16.5 stone to donate kidney to sister

In total, Latchford resident Matthew Flanagan has lost an incredible 16st 9lbs after joining Slimming World, enabling him to boost his sister Emma’s chances of receiving a life-changing donation following her kidney failure diagnosis.

The 24-year-old has also fulfilled a life-long dream of owning a vintage Mini Cooper – a car he could not fit behind the wheel of previously, and named after his granddad.

At the age of 19 and weighing more than 31 stone, Matthew was told by his doctor that he would be ‘lucky to make it to the end of the year’.

“Hearing that from my doctor really hit home. I started to realise that everything you do has a consequence, and that I was taking myself down a dark path.

“My dad was a key influence in getting me started on my weight loss journey, too. He has encouraged me and believed in me, and he gave me the determination to make a change.

“At the time, my sister was in kidney failure, and I was eating my way to an early grave – it was a lot for my family to deal with, so I am glad he was there for me.”

Matthew, who has won Slimming World’s Man of the Year competition, continued: “I had already started losing weight when we got the news that my sister needed a transplant.

“Everyone in the family got tested but unfortunately my tissue sample didn’t match, and my overall health meant I wasn’t a viable candidate.

Matthew Flanagan with his sister Emma and granddad Victor

“We learned about the UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme (UKLSS), which allows me to donate my kidney to anyone who is a match, and in turn gives my sister a greater chance of finding a match herself.

“That was a big turning point for me. From then on, I knew what I needed to do. Not only did I need to make changes for my own long-term health, but for Emma’s as well.

“Her situation gave me the drive and determination to lose the weight so I could help her get a new kidney.

“I started losing weight on my own with encouragement and daily walks with my dad. I lost a good amount of weight on my own, but I still felt like I had a long way to go.

“I bumped into a friend who looked great and told me he had lost weight with Slimming World. He talked about his group, and it sounded like just what I needed, so I decided to give it a go.

“I went on to lose another 10st 5lbs with the help of my Slimming World group – 16st 9lbs in total – and the huge support network really does feel like one big family.

“Losing weight on your own can feel quite lonely – whereas now I am surrounded by people who understand the challenges that struggling with your weight can bring.”

Matthew, who works for an aviation company in Lymm, says: “I have now started hiking, and in the past year I have climbed Snowdon and more recently Scafell Pike in the Lake District.

Matthew Flanagan with his Mini Cooper named Victory. Picture: Slimming World/Paul Buller

“I have so many things I would love to do now that before I could only dream of. I also felt more confident in myself which meant I put myself out there a bit more.

“I have since met my girlfriend Anna, who is a Slimming World member too, so we are good at keeping each other on track.

“When I look back on what my life was like prior to my weight loss, I just do not recognise that version of myself anymore.”

Another amazing thing that has come from his weight loss is his British racing green Mini Cooper, which he has named Victory after his granddad, Victor.

“Me and my granddad have always gone to car shows together, and I always wanted to sit in the classic Mini Coopers, but I simply could not fit in them,” Matthew added.

“The week before I bought Victory, we went along to a show and I finally fitted behind the wheel.

“I love to drive Victory and reflect on just how far I have come. I am the same person, but I have unlocked a new chapter of my life now.

“I am looking forward to living life to the fullest with my loved ones by my side – and if that is not a victory, I don’t know what is.”