Vale slimmers are all winners! (From Penarth Times)

Vale slimmers are all winners!

8:40am Tuesday 4th September 2012 in News

AFTER LOSING 215 stone between them and being nominated for a local slimming competition, the only thing that's big about these Vale of Glamorgan slimmers are their beaming smiles!

The slimmers from Barry, Penarth, Sully and Dinas Powys have lost an average of 5st each with their local Slimming World groups. And their transformations haven't gone unnoticed, as all have been nominated as their group's Woman of the Year 2012.

Sarah Pryor, area manager for the 18 Vale Slimming World sessions held each week, said: "Two-thirds of women in the Vale are overweight, with around one in four so severely overweight that they are at risk of health problems including diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

"Slimming World's Woman of the Year competition recognises the achievements of women in making long-term healthy lifestyle changes for themselves and their families."

The Vale sessions have 40 Woman of the Year nominees between them. Most started with Slimming World within the last 12 months and have lost around five stone each in that time.

Nominee Mo Bridge, who attends the Dinas Powys group, said: "I know a lot of people worry about joining a slimming club. But from the minute I walked in, the support I've received has been brilliant.

"I was nervoreallyus, especially about stepping on the scales, but I was made to feel welcome and now it's like a night out with friends. I couldnÕt have done it without them.

"It's changed my life," she added.

"I've got so much more energy and I can do things now that I couldn't before. My fitness has improved, and I enjoy being active rather than thinking of it as a chore."

Each group's winner goes forward to the regional finals, putting her in the running for the national Slimming World Woman of the Year 2012 award, which will be announced in November with a £5,000 prize.

"I'm so proud of the women who have been shortlisted," said Sarah.

"Not only do they look fabulous, but they've improved their health.

"I hope they inspire other women in the Vale. It can be hard to admit that you need to do something about your weight and ask for help, but I think these ladies show just whatÕs possible."

Local Slimming World groups:

* Penarth: Monday 5.30pm and 7.30pm at Elfed Avenue United Church (tel Nia 07793 885581); Wednesday 9.30am, 11.30am, 5pm and 7pm at All Saints' Church, Victoria Square (tel Tracy 07894 275853).

* Sully: Tuesday 6.30pm at The Old School, South Road, 01446 740394.

* Dinas Powys: Thursday 5.30pm and 7.30pm at The Cabin, rear of Hebron Hall (tel Sarah on 029 2056 8687).

* Barry: Monday 4.30pm and 6.30pm at the Tadross Hotel, Holton Road (tel Lorraine 07800 978568); Tuesday 4.30pm at St DavidÕs Methodist Church Hall, Winston Rd (tel Annamarie 01446 736534) or 5.30pm at Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church, Trinity Street (tel Jo on 01446 404897); Wednesday 4.45pm and 6.45pm at St Francis Millenium Centre, Park Road (tel Annamarie as before) or 6pm Cadoxton Methodist Church, Church Road (tel Jo as before); or Thursday 5.30pm in Highlight Park Community Centre (tel Annamarie as before).