“A year ago, I couldn’t tie my shoelaces. Now I’ve lost 10 kilos, stopped smoking and walk 7 miles every day. I feel better at 68 than I did in my fifties.”
Darshan from Alvaston has transformed his lifestyle with Livewell’s support over the last year.
He first discovered Livewell at a diabetes prevention course in autumn 2025, where he picked up a leaflet and quickly signed up online. Due to demand, he joined the Allenton new starter (activation) group at St Martin’s Church in January 2026.
There he was welcomed by advisors Shaun and Gemma, who led 10 weekly sessions combining healthy eating guidance, based on the NHS Eatwell Guide, with 45-minute circuit-based exercise.
“I found the sessions really useful and the advice started to work straight away – I lost a steady 1 kilo each month. It’s great that the circuits session is open to all clients after the activation course finishes. I’ve not missed a Tuesday class since I started.”
In February, Darshan joined the Escape-Pain course, run by Livewell advisors in partnership with leaders from Moorways Sports Village. The programme helps people manage knee, hip or back pain through education and personalised gentle exercise.
“I got a lot out of the course, and it worked well for me in easing my joint pain. The two weekly sessions over 5 weeks helped me quickly reach my 15 pledge points to qualify for Livewell’s free gym membership. I was eager to build my strength through weight training.”
Choosing Moorways, Darshan now completes three one-hour gym sessions each week, mixing free and machine weights with low-impact cardio on the cross-trainer. He also walks the 1.5 miles there and back. Motivated by Livewell’s My Mile in May challenge, he has continued to build walking into his daily routine.
He has even given up his car in favour of walking everywhere – including a 6-mile round trip to cheer on the Rams at Pride Park.
“Being retired, I have no excuse not to walk and I firmly believe that is what’s boosting my weight loss, alongside doing housework every day instead of weekly. My watch showed that 1.5 hours of cleaning windows, mopping floors and brisk tidying burns the same calories as my gym workout.”
Darshan has also made significant changes to his diet – eating more heart-healthy foods such as sardines and nuts, cutting back on sugar and swapping several pints and a late-night kebab or pizza for just one drink.
Encouraged by his progress, he decided to stop smoking in June. Although quitting temporarily affected his energy levels, he now feels better than ever, with more stamina in the gym and the ability to walk further without getting tired.
“I was smoking 20–30 cigarettes a day – a habit I restarted three years ago when I retired, having previously been smokefree for 20 years.”
Darshan received weekly face-to-face support from advisor Gubby, along with free nicotine replacement products (patches and lozenges) to help manage cravings.
“Gubby’s help and advice made a big difference. I’m not sure I’d be smokefree if I’d tried to do it on my own. The lozenges are good when a craving strikes or I just need a top-up. I’ve noticed my dreams are more vivid, which is a common side effect, but on the plus side my REM sleep is better.”
The results speak for themselves. His blood sugar levels are now normal, and he feels the benefits every day.
“I get up in the morning feeling great and ready to take on the day. My body shape has changed, I’m stronger, breathing better and happier. I’ve recommended Livewell to lots of people and I hope they take up the chance to change their lives too.”
Livewell advisor, Gubby said:
“It has been a pleasure supporting Darshan. He embraced every aspect of the smoking programme, remained focused on his goals, and has demonstrated that with the right support and motivation, it is never too late to make life changing improvements to your health.”
