Slimming World Penarth and Barry have taken part in a nation-wide event where members of each group nominate their chosen ‘Woman of the year.’
The woman of the year award is dedicated to someone whose shown significant weight loss, and health improvement.
A celebration was held in honour of each clubs chosen nominees earlier this month.
Slimming world Barry group leader Laura Tresidder said: “So each group had to nominate their woman of the year.
“A member who’s doing or done incredible on their journey but also someone who has turned their life around for the better and made some significant changes.”
Both clubs were of course unable to choose just one woman of the year and decided that multiple members were worthy of the title.
Here are the lovely ladies that received the award.
Winners from Slimming World Barry included:
Cheryl Roberts 60, Nicole Preece 32, Raydene Jones 55, and Katie Burnett 46.
Winners from Slimming World Penarth included:
Emma Parry 44, Claire Mcrea 48, Rosie Shale 28, and Christine Dyer 80.
As a group Barry Slimming World’s recipients managed to lose an incredible 21 stone between them and Penarth Slimming World’s recipients collectively lost over 17 stone.
Some of the recipients were brave enough to share their health journeys with us.
Raydene Jones from Slimming World Barry has lost a total of 7 stone. She used to be a size 22 now she’s slimmed down to a size 12.
“I had a BMI of 44 which is incredibly dangerous and now its 26 so just above what is classed as normal weight.
“My daughter was getting married she got married in July, so I had about 18 months to do something about it I was walking her down the aisle I wanted to look nice.
“I didn’t want to look fat and have to buy something that wasn’t flattering, so I was able to buy a size 14 dress when she got married from Quiz and I worked hard for it.”
Raydene opened up about what may have caused her weight gain she said: “I gave up smoking 10 years ago and the weight creeped on from that and for the last 10 years it was mounting up.”
“I was overweight when I smoked but not to that extent maybe a couple of stone overweight.”
Fellow Barry slimmer Katie Burnett also opened up about her weight loss experience.
She explained how her health was beginning to decline. Katie said: “So, I had type 2 diabetes, and my thyroid wasn’t working properly so I’m now on the verge of reversing my diabetes and I only started at the end of March and we’re now in October.
“I literally struggled to walk around and shop I now walk for miles every day.”
Katie explained how her issues with weight began: “I clearly before was an emotional eater and there’s days now where I can’t say I crave the chocolate and the sweets, but those feelings are there and are raw.”
She decided to take action of her weight after leaving a long-term marriage that had grown abusive.
We asked Cheryl how she feels now she’s slimmed down. Cheryl said: “I am so grateful that, during Lockdown, Mind in the Vale and Women's Aid got me out of a long term marriage.
“Then to feel better about myself, I went to Slimming World, where with Laura's help and inspiration, I've lost over 5 stone in weight.
“I haven't felt this good about myself for over 40 years, as it's improved my self esteem and confidence, and I feel wonderful about myself. This is not the end of my journey, as I want to lose more weight.”
“I was absolutely chuffed to bits if I’m honest. To have people who are supporting you week on week it felt really special.
“I was really struggling with my health and my confidence, and just acknowledging how much my health had deteriorated and like a lot of people my weight had gone on over Covid.”
Barry and District news want to congratulate each woman of the year for their achievements.
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