Super slimmers who have lost 10 stone between them have been crowned Slimming World Hanworth Women of the Year 2014.
Proving less is more Sheila Kelley, who attends one of the two group sessions run by consultant Georgina Wallace , was voted most inspirational after losing four stones and seven pounds since joining in July last year due to health issues.
Ms Kelley said: “It was simple things like not being able to walk around the supermarkets due to being out of breath or being able to tie my own shoe laces which forced my decision to do something about my weight, as well as the fact I was in constant pain and rattling around with the amount of pills I was taking for high blood pressure, cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.
"I tried lots of different diets but they usually left me feeling hungry and miserable.
"Slimming World is completely different, I never have to miss out or feel deprived and after losing 4 st 7lbs I’m the slimmest – and the healthiest – I’ve been in years – I’ve still got a long way to go but I am focused, determined and I am going to reach my goal!”
As a result she has reduced her diabetes medication and no longer requires any other pills.
In the second group, Tara Westley was chosen by her fellow slimmers for the title after losing almost five stones in the past nine months and has dropped four dress sizes.
She said: “My weight issue was something I buried for years but when a new Slimming World group opened up on my doorstep, the time suddenly felt right to start.
"I still eat all the same meals that I did before but now I cook and prepare them differently, I cook from scratch instead of relying on ready meals and convenience foods like jars of sauce and I am pretty proud of my new found cooking and baking skills!
“Our group is like a family. Whether you have a stone to lose or 10 stone to lose, everyone is there to support you, motivate you and to share great cooking and shopping tips.”
Ms Kelley now walks 10km a day and enjoys he Zumba classes while Ms Westley opts to cycle to visit her family 18 miles away - beating her husband who takes the car.
Mrs Wallace said: “They are a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope they inspire other women in Hanworth to change their lives in the same way.
"It can be hard to admit that you need to do something about your weight and to ask for help, but I think they both show just what’s possible when you do.”
Earlier this month the Hanworth groups also held their very own Race for Life event at Twickenham rugby club and collectively raised more than £350 for Cancer Research UK
Members charitable causes include Race for Life and donating bags of clothes to charity.
The Hanworth Slimming World groups are held every Tuesday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm at the Scout Hut on Nallhead Road (next to the Lindon Bennett School). To join or find out more call Georgina on 07843 442607 or email georginaslimmingworld@outlook.com
