This Is Guernsey

By Thom Ogier

Alan and Jan Coupe, together with their son Chris, have lost a combined 17 stone. Inset: the pair before shedding the pounds.

A FAMILY who were put off flying after being told they were so overweight they needed to move before take-off have said they are ready to return to Guernsey.

After losing a combined 17 stone, Jan and Alan Coupe and their son Chris are feeling better than ever and say they would not hesitate to fly again.

‘We can go anywhere now and it is not an issue, thank goodness,’ said Mrs Coupe. ‘We love Guernsey and have been flying to the island for the last 30 years.’

However, airplane travel had become a serious problem for them. ‘When we flew to Canada a few years ago, I was so uncomfortable on the flight, my weight didn’t help me, but I feel as if losing it has given me a new lease of life now.’

The family were due to fly to Guernsey in 2005 to see their friends and family when a Flybe air steward told them they needed to move in order to redistribute weight in the aircraft.

Mrs Coupe’s husband, Alan, got up and sat further forward. The embarrassment caused the family to make a concerted effort to get fit. It was one of the best decisions of their lives, according to Mrs Coupe.

‘It was a bit of a wake-up call. It was not the air steward’s fault. In fact, he dealt with the situation rather well,’ she said.

‘We have dieted and joined the gym together since. It has made a huge difference to our lives and mostly to our self-esteem.’

‘My husband looks so much better and my son, who lost four-and-a-half stone, loves to look good. He is aware of it now. It makes me proud,’ she said.

The family swore they would not be put off returning to the island by their experience.

The couple before their dramatic weight loss.

‘We have such good memories of Guernsey and the coastline is very beautiful.

‘However, the main reason we visit is to see relatives. This experience won’t stop us coming,’ she said. ‘I feel like we could do anything now, even long-haul flights, perhaps round the world… who knows?’

Their Guernsey connection is a long one.

Medals belonging to Mr Coupe’s grandfather, Wilfred Robert, are in Castle Cornet.

The family run a bed and breakfast in Stubbington,  Hampshire.

Head of public relations at Flybe Nial Duffy said he was glad to hear the family would be coming back to the island.

‘We are delighted to hear their news and look forward to welcoming them on Flybe in the future,’ he said.

Article posted on 15th October, 2008 - 11.30am