Hi I am Ken Clare one of the Admins and Director of Operations here - I just posted this around and thought it may be of interest. 22 years and still learning. In January 2003 I set up a group to support people considering who had Bariatric Surgery. It was a shot in the dark and I never thought it would grow. What we did get right was promoting a sense of community, mutual support and the free sharing of information amongst members. It should be remembered this predated social media and widespread mobile phone usage. The groups growth shocked everyone especially me. It gave me an opportunity to get involved in all manner of openings, that looking back on I think we have made a difference. The world was very different then, but some visionary clinicians and academics made space for the voice of lived experience(as we call it now). I’ll always be grateful to those people who held doors open for us and supported me in furthering the charities aims and objectives. I was later able to contribute to both European and global patient advocacy organisations. In 2019 the charity became part of Obesity UK but I can still trace a clear line back to where it all started. I’m still supported by long-term ex-trustees and volunteers some of whom have given over twenty years service. They also deserve major credit for being such a huge part of it all, and taking leadership roles when I was away or on sick leave. I’m really fortunate to have been part of many things which I am proud to have been involved in. I have been fortunate to meet the most awesome, amazing people along the way and honoured to call many of them friends. We are truly at an exciting time in treatment options, but there are still many challenges in access to those treatments. There is plenty of work to do. I feel really blessed to part of some exciting projects, work and developments for the year ahead. 2024 wasn’t a great year for me and some of my friends but this year has started off really positively and I look forward to meeting more of you, and working with you in 2025. I am still learning and that is what keeps it all fresh and special for me, and thanks to all for patience in my recovery – especially with my written thoughts. ECPObesity Obesity UK (fb)

Just a very last minute, but sincere wish that all members of our community have a very peaceful, healthy 2025 - see you next year. Best wishes Ken Clare (fb)