'Greatest Loser' crowned at weight loss club

Each year Slimming World recognises and celebrates the efforts and rewards of their 'Greatest Loser' - from groups nationwide - who have lost the most weight on the day of the competition.

Along with being 'crowned', Kathleen also received a sash, paper weight, pen, and a certificate signed by Margaret Miles-Bramwell (Slimming World's Chairman and Founder Member) together with a bouquet of flowers from the group.

Bexhill Slimming World Consultant Avril Earnshaw said it was a double celebration for Kathleen as she had worked hard to reach the target she had set herself, which she achieved on the same day of the competition.

Avril said: "Kathleen joined the group which meets at Centre Stage, on London Road, and lost a total of two stone, ten and a half pounds."

Kathleen, who has learning disabilities, moved to Bexhill-on-Sea from London, and Avril said on joining the weight loss group, the kindness and support which Kathleen received from other members, encouraged her to reach new goals.

"Kathleen has achieved so much, and the group's support has been crucial, because when Kathleen joined the group she could only read and write simple words."

She added:"Kathleen moved down from London not long before joining us, and at that time she could only read words like CAT. Now, after being encouraged to go for lessons, and thanks to the support of all the group members she can recognise so much more. Kathleen can now read easy recipes and recognise far more words if they are written clearly in large bold writing. Some of us wrote down planned days of foods for her, as she didn't realise how much food she could eat, and sometimes she has been hungry when she didn't need to be - something that we normally don't feel as members."

As the local group's Consultant, Avril is delighted with Kathleen's achievements, and the icing on the cake was receiving a holiday postcard from Kathleen.

Avril said:"The most touching thing that happened to me was when Kathleen sent me a postcard that she had written herself - that was truly lovely."

Speaking on behalf of Kathleen, Avril said: "Kathleen has asked me to say that she is, "very pleased" to have reached her goal because she really wanted to look smart for her Golden Wedding on 28th March 2009. She also wanted to say "a very special thank you" to myself and to ALL the class members, that she said have been "so very kind and understanding".

Avril added: "Slimming World Groups are always full of support for everyone, not just from the Consultant, but from the group as a whole, each sharing their ways of overcoming obstacles, along with sharing quick, easy, tasty, and low cost recipe ideas, how to feed the family for under a fiver, and discuss where special offers can be found."

For more information on joining the group call Avril on (01424) 213784 or visit the website at: www.slimmingworld.com