I have lived with Obesity all of my adult life. I originally trained as a nurse in both general and mental health specialities and retired early after a long career in management and informatics in the National Health Service.
With my weight reaching over 210 kg (34 stones) I had bariatric surgery in 2002. In my early recovery, I set up WLSinfo, a charity for people undergoing surgery seeking information and support.
WLSinfo took off and support groups sprung up all over the UK and online support thrived. Even before Facebook, the charity boasted over 10000 members. I have been involved in many national initiatives and become involved in the European Scene after speaking at ECO 2013 in Liverpool.
I was a founder member of The European Patients Council founded in Sofia in 2014. I’ve spoken at international conferences and was on the local organising committee for IFSO 2017 in London.
In the little spare time I have I enjoy seventies music and flying a flight simulator. I’m the current Chair of the EASO-ECPO and I am proud to hold this office working with such a great team.