Support Volunteers
UKCPO simply couldn’t do what we do without the dedication of our volunteers. They are the heart of our organisation, giving their time, energy, and compassion to support others living with obesity.
From running our Facebook support groups and hosting Zoom sessions to organising walks and in-person meetups, our volunteers create safe, welcoming spaces for connection and encouragement.
Their lived experience and commitment make a real difference every day. As we grow, we’re always looking for more people to join our volunteer team—because together, we’re stronger.
Support Volunteers
At UKCPO, all of our support volunteers have lived experience of obesity, which places them in a unique and powerful position to offer peer-to-peer support.
They understand the challenges, stigma, and emotions that can come with living with obesity—because they’ve been there too. This shared experience creates a strong foundation of empathy, trust, and genuine connection in our support groups, whether online or in person. Our volunteers don’t just offer advice—they listen, relate, and walk alongside others on their journey, making our support community truly inclusive and understanding.
Helen Atkinson
I have been overweight for most of my life. My weight has gone up and down over the years and I was referred to weight management services when the osteoarthritis in my knees forced me to give up working with special needs pre-school children, a job I loved.
I joined the zoom meetings shortly after they began during Covid which were a great help to prepare me for when I had a one anastomosis gastric bypass in August 2022. A couple of years ago I was asked by Ken to cover a couple of zoom meetings due to holidays and I am still here, helping facilitate the zoom meetings, the Liverpool face to face and supporting UKCPO with admin.
Annette O'toole Tolfree
I’m 59, married, with three grown children and ten wonderful grandchildren aged between 6 and 15. I’ve lived with obesity for over 35 years and recently had a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which has come with a fair share of complications—including lifelong enzyme replacement with Creon and ongoing treatment for bacterial overgrowth.
These experiences have shown me just how challenging the journey can be, but also how important it is to have real, honest support along the way. I joined this group after realising something had changed in the old one—it just didn’t feel right anymore.
Now, I understand why. This space feels more supportive and genuine, and I’m happy to help however I can. I believe our group needs a mix of voices and experiences, and I hope my journey can offer others reassurance that they’re not alone. Based in sunny Devon, I’m here to give and receive support, every step of the way.
Bianca Scollen
Hi, I’m Bianca, and I live in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
I’ve lived with obesity for as long as I can remember and attended my first slimming club at the age of 10. In 2004, I had bariatric surgery, and since then, I’ve been an active volunteer, trustee, and advocate across various organisations. I also facilitated a support group in Leeds for 16 years. I’m passionate about making a difference and giving back the same support I’ve received over the years—I truly believe that helping others helps me, too.
Professionally, I work as a private practice manager for two consultant surgeons, a role I genuinely enjoy. Outside of work, I’m a married mum to a wonderful daughter who is a mental health nurse and currently training as a cognitive behavioural therapist. I have two beautiful rescue dogs and come from a family that has always encouraged giving more than you take.
I’m proud and honoured to be part of this community.
Kelly Wallace
I have been over weight for as long as I can remember. In 2020 I decided enough is enough and made the decision to have an RNY Gastric bypass.
At first the weight seemed to drop off as with the first 12-18months I lost 7 1/2 stone but it plateaued really quickly and the weight loss stopped before I reach my ‘target’ but that was fine with me I was happy with where I’d got to.
But then I had a new problem, the excess skin! I began this journey with an open mind regarding plastics surgery and in April 2022 I had a 360FDL tummy tuck and arm lift.
I’m now free from the skin too. Am I still overweight? Yes! Would I like to lose more? Absolutely! But I’ve come so far and am so grateful for this journey that I’m on and all of the incredible people I have met along the way. Every day is a battle as my binge eating disorder rears its ugly head all the time, some days I have restriction and some days I don’t so I do my best to get it right and don’t beat myself up when I don’t. I try to live my life to the max and enjoy all the things I never got the chance to do before! And When I’m asked why I do certain things at my age like get tattoos and start playing rugby or even jump out of an aeroplane I just simply reply ‘Why Not’
James Fullen
I’ve been living with obesity all my adult life .
April 2013 I had a Reux En Y Gastric Bypass and attended my first support group run by Ken Clare under the banner of WLSinfo and realised that I needed the support more than I had realised, I have been part of the Liverpool face to face support groups ever since and along with other likeminded individuals facilitate monthly face to face support meetings and Bi weekly Zoom meetings and am also a patient advocate for ECPO ( European Coalition for people living with obesity)
Kris Mayer
I'm Kris. My struggles with weight started in childhood- but I really lived with obesity since my twenties.
I am passionate about supporting others who tread the same path- no judgement here. I had a gastric bypass in 2006 and appreciate the changes it has made. (I am no longer in a wheelchair. I had a successful left total hip replacement)
Nicci Ruff
I’ve lived with obesity my entire life and understand the challenges it brings, both physically and emotionally. In September 2020, I underwent a gastric bypass, and I now maintain my weight loss with the support of injectable medication.
I'm proud to be a patient advocate with the European Coalition for People Living with Obesity (ECPO), using my experience to raise awareness and support others on their journey.
I also run a local Obesity Support Group in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, where I’m passionate about creating a safe, welcoming space for peer support and shared understanding.
Louise Lane
I have been living with obesity all my adult life and most of my childhood for which I was bullied mercilessly. I attended my first weight watchers programme at 9 years old.
In November 2023 I had a Roux En Y Gastric Bypass after waiting for 3 years for the surgery. During that time I attended my first support group run by Ken Clare under the name of Obesity UK.
The meetings were a safe space to speak openly about a dark and lonely place my emotional eating had been and I realised that I needed the support and advice of the group before my surgery more than ever!I have been part of the team of volunteers running the zoom groups under Ken Clare for 6 months which is now under the banner of UKCPO and now I am post op I can offer peer support and advice to other likeminded people who are hoping to start a successful journey and healthier way of life as I have!
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