At the end of 2006 I was 35 years old, 23 stone and utterly despondent. Contacting Fi at Renaissance was the best thing I have ever done. She gave me hope that all was not yet lost, and that I could turn my life around….and with the help of the Renaissance team, I have. I delayed writing my testimonial until I had been back a while, rightly thinking that it would get harder when I got home. Anyone can write a glowing report immediately after having a wonderful experience but can they do it two months on? I think I can!
During my 8 weeks with Paul and Fi and their wonderful staff I lost 32 pounds (15kg). My shape changed, my fitness levels improved and when I picked up the equivalent of the weight I had lost at the end of my stay, my knees creaked. Being in Spain was hard work, both physically and emotionally, and yet it felt like a very safe place to trawl the depths of my soul and be pushed outside my comfort zone. The environment was supportive and encouraging, and going through the tough bits felt like what it was – a necessary part of the journey. If I wanted to cry, I cried, but I was surprised by how much laughing I did too. I actually ENJOYED my time in Javea!
 Since returning home I have continued to lose weight, exercise and feel better. This, I think, is more of an achievement than what I did whilst I was in Spain, and is testament to the lessons I learnt there. I’ve had a few hiccups, but the knowledge that I CAN do it and the positive comments I keep getting are motivation to continue. I’m now 18½ stone and still a long way from what would be considered healthy and normal, but I’m equally a long way from the despair I felt as I approached the beginning of this year. As I look towards a new job and a new year, everything feels possible. Thank you Fi, Paul, Kath, Rani, Rubina, Debra, Dr Millar and Gerard, for your expertise, your warmth, your compassion and your drive. You are truly inspirational.
By the end of the following month Elinor had lost another 18 pounds and continues to lose at a steady rate.
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