Seeing the world through determination Dave’s story

Every week someone walks into a Slimming World group whose story deserves to be shouted loud and proud. Dave is one of those people. Registered severely sight‑impaired and just turned 62 , dave is a blind photographer whose work has captured the spirit of Portsmouth and beyond for years. His images — full of emotion, atmosphere, and instinct — prove that true vision has nothing to do with eyesight and everything to do with heart.

For six seasons, Dave has photographed Portsmouth Football Club, and he’s now in his tenth year capturing the energy and colour of Victorious Festival. His talent has taken him far beyond the city too — all the way to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2016, where he photographed one of the world’s most iconic sporting events. He has a particular love for landscape and portrait photography, and his travels to the Philippines and the UAE inspired by his Filipino wife have given him a world of inspiration.

But behind the lens is a man whose personal journey is every bit as remarkable as his artistic one.

In 2014, Dave lost his job and much of his independence due to his sight loss. The emotional impact was huge. Comfort eating crept in, the weight piled on, and life felt smaller and heavier than before. Yet even in that difficult chapter, Dave found a way to turn pain into purpose. He started a charity teaching visually impaired people photography — a gift he continues to share today as a group rather than a formal charity. Helping others discover confidence, creativity, and independence through the camera has become one of his greatest sources of pride.

And now, as he works on himself again, that confidence is returning in a new way.

After struggling with his weight for more than 20 years — and even trying Slimming World once before — Dave returned 18 months ago with a determination shaped by experience and necessity. Arthritis in his hips and knees had affected his mobility, and he knew something had to change. This time, he found exactly what he needed: a warm, supportive community where staying to group felt uplifting rather than daunting.

Dave attends Emma’s Slimming World group in Hilsea, and although Emma has only recently become his consultant, she quickly realised something important: his story deserves to be celebrated. Loudly. Proudly. Publicly.

In 18 months, Dave has lost 3 stone 12 pounds, having reached an incredible 4 stone loss before a well‑earned holiday. The small gain afterwards didn’t knock him off track — it strengthened his resolve as Dave loves food optimising and stay on track as much as possible while away . Because Dave understands that this journey isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon. A lifestyle. A choice he makes every day because he values the life it gives him.

His weight‑loss journey mirrors his photography beautifully. Both require patience. Both demand focus. Both ask you to look beyond the obvious and find meaning in the details. And both prove that limitations don’t define a person — determination does.

Dave’s story isn’t just about weight lost. It’s about independence regained, confidence rediscovered, and purpose renewed. It’s about a man who sees the world differently — and helps others see themselves differently too.

And just like his photographs, Dave’s journey is a work of art in progress — full of courage, depth, and unwavering spirit.

If you’d like to join any of Emma’s Slimming World groups in Hilsea, and feel real good give her a call on 07359 060521. She has morning and evening groups .