A GROUP of slimming consultants from the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley celebrated their successes by meeting chat show host and comedian Alan Carr.

The ‘Chatty Man’ co-hosted the annual Slimming World Awards with the organisation’s founder and chair Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE, and the Slimming World team who run groups locally were delighted to get a chance to meet him.

Alan said it was great to be invited to the event at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre, and added “I met so many people who had transformed their lives and it was clear how much the support they received from their ‘Slimming World family’ meant to them.

“All of them spoke passionately about how they couldn’t have made those changes to eat more healthily and become more active without the support of their consultants and group every week.

“I left the awards feeling so uplifted and positive.

“I wish I could’ve bottled that Slimming World feeling.”

Cassie Shields, who became a Slimming World consultant three years ago after attending the Monmouth group and losing six stone, said meeting the comedian was the perfect end to a fantastic year for the Coleford group she mentors.

“The members at our group make me burst with pride, not only have they seen big changes on the scales, many have improved their health and completely changed their lives too.

“For many people, taking that first step into a Slimming World group takes a huge amount of courage.

“But they’re always certain of a warm welcome and introduction to our fabulously flexible eating plan which means you are never hungry while you’re losing weight.

“And when you join a group and stay each week members support each other with motivation, tips and ideas, cheering each other on and boosting each other to face any challenges.

“Watching people grow in confidence each week and take on things that they didn’t think possible before losing weight absolutely amazes me.

“I feel proud of the small part I play in supporting people to achieve their dreams and to celebrate alongside them when they do, so we were honoured to represent the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley groups at the Slimming World Awards.

“Alan was left in awe of the difference Slimming World makes to people’s lives too,” she added.

Debra Maloney from Ross-on-Wye, who runs the Rockfield Slimming World group in Monmouth, added: “Last year was our 50th year, which was full of celebrations and successes. We’ve supported more people than ever to achieve their dreams and we’re so excited about what 2020 has in store.” 

Also at the awards were Ross-on-Wye consultant Sue Holdcroft, Monmouth’s Claire Allen and Lydney’s Jenna Newman.

For more information see www.slimming world.co.uk