Pearl’s a slimmer

‘Diamond member of the year’accolade

A hard-working Coatbridge woman shone bright like a diamond as she scooped a top slimming prize.

Pearl Punshon, 65, dazzled fellow members of her home town’s Slimming World class by shedding nearly 4st in three years.

The eye-catching achievement saw her claim the “diamond member of the year” accolade.

Pearl joined Slimming World following “various health issues” and the cancer survivor lost 3st 12½lbs in her first 13 months with the group.

She then decided to lose another half-stone, did so in just five weeks, and has kept all of the weight off ever since.

Pearl, who dropped from 15st 10lbs to 11st 7lbs, said: “Like most people, I’d tried to lose weight countless times, yet nothing ever really seemed to stick.

“Slimming World was completely different because it was just so simple; I could still enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals with my family while losing weight, which seemed like a miracle at the time!

“Previous weight-loss attempts left me feeling hungry – nowadays I probably eat more than ever!

“With Slimming World, the support that I needed was there right from day one; both from my consultant, Jennifer Stevens, and the other members in the group.

“I picked up new ideas and recipes every week – I still do now, in fact – and started to really believe that I could do it.

“And I did, because, three years later, I’m still at my target weight.”

Since reaching her target weight, Pearl has continued to attend the Coatbridge Slimming World group – and believes that without the unwavering support of other members, she would have struggled to keep the weight off.

She explained: “I’ve made so many friends that I can’t imagine not going to the group each week – it’s like my weekly day out and we’re all like a family.

“Everyone inspired and supported me to achieve my target and now it’s my turn to do the same for other people, to show the same kindness, warmth and compassion that I was shown.

“Coming to group each week has kept me focused on my goal.”

Jennifer Stevens, who runs the Coatbridge group which Pearl attends, said: “At Slimming World we believe that losing weight and maintaining for the long term is the most under recognised achievement in weight management.

“I’m so proud of Pearl and the inspirational way in which she’s done this.

“It’s always great for new members to meet Pearl and see just what’s possible at Slimming World.

“Pearl has a very important event next year as her daughter Amy is getting married.

“I know that Pearl will look, and feel, amazing when the big day arrives.”

To find out more about Jennifer’s Coatbridge Slimming World groups, phone her on 077614 76364 or search for “Facebook Slimming World with Jennifer – Coatbridge” on Facebook.