A Brother’s Promise: How Proinsias Collins Honored his Sibling’s Dying Wish
Table of Contents
- A Brother’s Promise: How Proinsias Collins Honored his Sibling’s Dying Wish
- Proinsias’s Journey: A brother’s Promise and a Life Transformed at slimming World
- A Brother’s Bet and a Life-Changing Journey
- The Power of Community at Slimming World
- A New Lease on life
- Key Takeaways from Proinsias’s Journey
- A legacy of Love and Determination
- The Role of Slimming World in Proinsias’ Change
- Celebrating Milestones and Inspiring Others
- Honoring Pádraig’s Memory
- Starting Your Own Journey
It’s not every day that a sibling rivalry turns into a life-changing promise. For Proinsias Collins, a father of two from Midleton, West Cork, a bet with his older brother Pádraig became a heartfelt commitment to transform his life.
“Pádraig asked me to try to lose weight and get healthier so that I could live my life, and to do what I could to live provided that I could,” Proinsias recalls. This simple yet profound request came from Pádraig, who was battling cancer and wanted his younger brother to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Pádraig passed away on July 1, 2022, at the age of 55, but Proinsias kept his word. He shed nearly three stone, improved his health, and adopted a more active lifestyle. His journey is a testament to the power of brotherly love and the enduring impact of a promise made in the face of loss.
A bond Forged in Childhood
Growing up in innishannon, the Collins brothers were inseparable. “There were eight of us in the family, and only a year between Pádraig and I,” Proinsias shares. The siblings shared a love for sports, playing under-12 hurling and football together.
Pádraig’s athletic talent shone brightly during his teenage years. He played minor hurling and football for Cork until injuries to his calf and knee halted his progress. Despite this setback, he won an All-Ireland title with his school in Carrignavar, a proud moment that remained a highlight of his sporting career.
As adults, their paths diverged.Pádraig moved to Italy, where he worked in the beef industry, married an Italian woman, and started a family. “He was very happy,” Proinsias says, reflecting on his brother’s life abroad.
A heartbreaking Diagnosis
In 2018, Pádraig’s life took a tragic turn when he was diagnosed with cancer. By July 2022, his health had deteriorated substantially, and he decided to return to Cork.
“Pádraig rang us to say he was making the trip home,” Proinsias recalls. “My sister and I met him at the airport,all excitement at seeing him again.”
However,the reunion was bittersweet.Pádraig’s condition was far worse than his siblings had anticipated.“He hadn’t told us how sick he was,” Proinsias admits. “A wheelchair had to be arranged for him at the airport, and a doctor had to be on call.Realising he was so sick came as a bit of a shock.”
A Final Wish
Back in Cork, Pádraig’s health declined rapidly. Bed-bound and ailing, he had one final wish: to die at home. Proinsias and his family ensured that Pádraig’s wish was fulfilled, providing him with comfort and care in his final days.
The brothers shared precious moments together during this time. “I got to talk to him on my own,” Proinsias says. “Pádraig was lucid, and we could have a chat and a laugh.”
It was during these conversations that Pádraig urged Proinsias to take better care of himself. “I was fairly overweight,” Proinsias admits, reflecting on his health at the time.
A Promise Kept
Motivated by his brother’s words, Proinsias embarked on a journey to improve his health. He lost nearly three stone, embraced a healthier lifestyle, and became more active. His change is not just a personal achievement but a tribute to Pádraig’s enduring influence.
“Brotherly love has fierce power,” Proinsias says, encapsulating the bond that drove him to honor his brother’s dying wish.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Brothers’ Bond | Close childhood relationship, shared love for sports, and lifelong support. |
| Pádraig’s Illness | Diagnosed with cancer in 2018, returned to Cork in 2022 to spend final days.|
| Proinsias’ Promise | Lost nearly three stone, improved health, and adopted an active lifestyle. |
| Legacy | A testament to the power of love, promises, and personal transformation. |
A Legacy of Love
Proinsias Collins’ story is a poignant reminder of the impact siblings can have on each other’s lives. Through his journey,he not only fulfilled a promise to his brother but also transformed his own life,proving that even in the face of loss,there is hope and the potential for change.
As Proinsias continues to live a healthier, more active life, he carries Pádraig’s memory with him—a testament to the enduring power of brotherly love.
What’s your take on the power of sibling bonds? Share your thoughts in the comments below or explore more inspiring stories about family and resilience.A Brother’s Promise: Proinsias Collins’ journey to Health and Transformation
Proinsias Collins, a man who once weighed over 16 stone, found himself at a crossroads. His brother, Pádraig, had made a heartfelt request before passing away: “He asked me to promise him that I’d do my best to lose the weight,” Proinsias recalls. This promise became the driving force behind his transformative weight loss journey, a journey that would not only change his life but also honor his brother’s memory.
The Turning Point
For years, Proinsias and Pádraig had a playful rivalry about who was heavier. “Over the years, Pádraig and I used to place bets as to which one of us was the heaviest,” Proinsias shares. But by the time Pádraig made his request, the scales had tipped heavily in Proinsias’ favor.
Pádraig’s words were a wake-up call: “He said if he had his life to live over again, he would do all the right things to try and live provided that he could, as best he could, doing all in his power not to get sick.” These words resonated deeply with Proinsias, who was already struggling with the physical and emotional toll of his weight.
The Struggles of Being Overweight
Proinsias’ weight had become a constant source of frustration.“Trying to buy clothes was a nightmare,” he admits. “I had to resort to triple and double X sizes. I couldn’t buy clothes for myself in the high street shops.” His sedentary lifestyle, managing a transport website, only exacerbated the issue. “I am sitting down a lot doing my job,” he says. “Lack of exercise was another bad habit.”
Food, notably sweets, was his Achilles’ heel. “I have a very sweet tooth,” he confesses.“And I love chocolate!” Growing up in West Cork, where hearty meals were a way of life, Proinsias had always been a “good grubber.” But as an adult, these habits had taken a toll on his health.
A Promise to Pádraig
At Pádraig’s funeral, Proinsias felt the weight of his promise more than ever. “I felt the burden of the weight standing up at the gathering at Pádraig’s funeral,” he says. “I thought I wasn’t representing Pádraig properly.I badly wanted to represent him as best I could.”
Steadfast to honor his brother’s memory, Proinsias took action. “Within a month of Pádraig passing, I joined Slimming World in Midleton,” he explains. This wasn’t his first attempt at weight loss—he had tried Slimming World before but struggled to stick to the plan on his own. This time, however, he had a powerful motivator: his promise to Pádraig.
the Road to transformation
proinsias’ journey wasn’t just about shedding pounds; it was about reclaiming his health and honoring his brother’s legacy. “I gave my pledge to Pádraig before he passed away to lose the weight and get healthier,” he says.
His commitment paid off. By joining Slimming World, he found the support and structure he needed to make lasting changes. The program helped him replace bad habits with healthier ones, proving that even small victories can lead to significant progress.
Key Takeaways from Proinsias’ journey
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Motivation | A promise to his late brother, Pádraig, to lose weight and live healthier. |
| Challenges | Sedentary lifestyle, sweet tooth, and difficulty finding clothes. |
| Turning Point | Pádraig’s heartfelt request and Proinsias’ determination to honor it. |
| solution | Joining Slimming World for structured support and accountability. |
| Outcome | A healthier lifestyle and a renewed sense of purpose. |
A Legacy of Love and Health
Proinsias’ story is a testament to the power of love and determination. His journey wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about fulfilling a promise to someone he loved deeply. As he continues to live his best life, he carries Pádraig’s memory with him, a constant reminder of the importance of health and the strength of a brother’s bond.
If you’re inspired by proinsias’ story and are ready to start your own weight loss journey, remember that every step forward is progress. Celebrate the small victories, and let them fuel your determination to achieve your goals.
Proinsias’s Journey: A brother’s Promise and a Life Transformed at slimming World
When Proinsias made a promise to his late brother Pádraig, he didn’t just make a bet—he made a commitment to change his life.Through determination, support, and the camaraderie of Slimming World, Proinsias not only achieved his weight loss goals but also found a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
A Brother’s Bet and a Life-Changing Journey
Proinsias’s journey began with a heartfelt promise to his brother, Pádraig. “By October, I had lost two stone, which was my initial target,” Proinsias recalls. “I wanted to lose more weight by Christmas.” And he did. By Easter, which coincided with Pádraig’s birthday, Proinsias reached his ultimate goal of losing three stone. “It was my present to him,” he says with pride.
This milestone wasn’t just about numbers on a scale—it was a tribute to the bond between two brothers. Proinsias frequently enough reflects on Pádraig’s influence, saying, “I think of Pádraig all the time. He’d be proud of me. I know he kept me going.” Even now, Proinsias visits his brother’s grave daily to talk to him, keeping their connection alive.
The Power of Community at Slimming World
Proinsias’s success wasn’t achieved alone. At Slimming World, he found a supportive community that celebrated every milestone, no matter how small. “We were all there for each other,” he says. “I kept going to Slimming World meetings every week whether I lost weight,stayed the same weight,or put on weight. I got the same support, the same camaraderie week after week no matter what.”
The sense of belonging was transformative. “Every milestone is celebrated. I’ve made great friends at the club. The sense of belonging is really special. There is no judgment,” Proinsias explains. This environment of encouragement and acceptance helped him stay motivated and focused on his goals.
A New Lease on life
Proinsias’s transformation extended beyond weight loss. He adopted a healthier,more active lifestyle,even getting a dog to accompany him on daily walks. “I get in 10,000 steps every day. I love getting out in the fresh air,” he shares. His wife, Pauline, has been a pillar of support throughout his journey. “Pauline gave me huge encouragement,” he says. “She’s delighted with me! My life has improved so much.”
Key Takeaways from Proinsias’s Journey
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Initial Goal | Lose two stone by October |
| Ultimate Achievement | Lost three stone by Easter, coinciding with Pádraig’s birthday |
| Support System | found camaraderie and encouragement at Slimming World |
| Lifestyle Changes | Adopted daily walks with his dog, achieving 10,000 steps daily |
| Emotional Impact | Strengthened connection with his late brother and improved quality of life |
A legacy of Love and Determination
Proinsias’s story is a testament to the power of love, determination, and community. His journey at Slimming World not only helped him achieve his weight loss goals but also brought him closer to his brother’s memory and enriched his life in countless ways.
As Proinsias continues to embrace his healthier lifestyle,he carries Pádraig’s spirit with him every step of the way. “He is always with me,” Proinsias says.And indeed, he is.
If you’re inspired by Proinsias’s story and want to start your own journey, visit Slimming world to learn more about their supportive programs and community.
E.”
The Role of Slimming World in Proinsias’ Change
Proinsias credits much of his success to the support adn structure provided by Slimming World. “The group meetings were a game-changer for me,” he explains. “Being surrounded by people who understood my struggles and celebrated my victories made all the difference.”
The programme’s focus on healthy eating, physical activity, and mindset shifts helped Proinsias break free from old habits. “I learned to enjoy food in a new way,” he says.“It wasn’t about deprivation; it was about making better choices and finding balance.”
Celebrating Milestones and Inspiring Others
Proinsias’ journey is filled with milestones that reflect his dedication and resilience. From fitting into clothes he hadn’t worn in years to feeling more energetic and confident, each achievement brought him closer to his goal.
But his transformation goes beyond the physical. “I feel like I’ve gained a new lease on life,” he shares. “I’m more active, more present, and more connected to the people around me.”
proinsias’ story has also inspired others in his community. “People see the changes in me and ask how I did it,” he says. “I tell them it’s about taking it one step at a time and finding what works for you.”
Honoring Pádraig’s Memory
For Proinsias, this journey is deeply personal. “Every pound I lost was a step toward keeping my promise to Pádraig,” he reflects. “It’s not just about the weight; it’s about living a life that honors his memory and the love we shared.”
As he continues to maintain his healthier lifestyle, Proinsias carries Pádraig’s spirit with him. “He was my biggest cheerleader in life, and I know he’s still cheering me on,” he says.
Starting Your Own Journey
If Proinsias’ story resonates with you, remember that every journey begins with a single step. Whether it’s joining a support group, making small changes to your diet, or incorporating more movement into your day, progress is possible.
As Proinsias says, “It’s never to late to make a change. Believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way.”
For more tips and inspiration on starting your weight loss journey, check out this guide. And if you’re ready to take the first step,consider exploring Slimming World for the support and tools you need to succeed.
Proinsias’ story is a powerful reminder that with love, determination, and the right support, transformation is within reach. Let his journey inspire you to take the first step toward a healthier, happier you.
