Inspirational double team

Two “inspirational” slimmers have been crowned women of the year by their weightloss group.

Margaret Traynor and Jeannie Stewart, both from Coatbridge, scooped the double prize from the Slimming World team at Glenboig community centre.

Margaret was recognised for her excellent 2st 8.5lbs loss in just 20 weeks, while Jeannie impressively shed 2st 4.5lbs within six months.

Jeannie received the prize for the Glenboig venue’s 7.30pm group with Margaret winning the backing of the group who meet at 5.30pm.

An ecstatic Margaret responded: “I never would have dreamt that I’d be in this position when I first began my weight loss journey.

“Losing weight has made such a big difference to me; my health is better, I have more energy, I’m happier and I feel more comfortable in my own skin.

“To win the woman of the year prize feels out of this world and it makes all of the hard work over the past few months feel more than worthwhile.”

Mum Margaret is currently awaiting knee surgery and is attempting to lose as much weight as possible to aid her recovery.

She said: “I would not have been able to join Slimming World without the support from my daughter Laura.

“I want to spend time with my family and see them growing into adults and the only way for me to ensure I am in a position to do so is continue on my journey with Slimming World.

“I’ve picked up lots of new healthy recipes from the other members at my Slimming World group and I feel like a different woman to the one who walked into group.

“I remember feeling like there was no hope when it came to my weight, but I’ve realised that when people believe in you – and you believe in yourself – you can do anything you set your mind to.

“My goal now is to hit my target weight and stay there for life, which I know I can do.”

Jeannie has already reached her target weight after turning to Slimming World earlier this year due to “health reasons”.

The Coatbridge mum added: “During my first week I lost seven-and-a-half pounds and I’ve never looked back since.

“When I was told I’d won woman of the year I was blown away; it means so much to me.

“I still love my favourite foods, like soup and homemade curry, and Slimming World’s food optimising scheme works with its Body Magic programme to complement my weight loss.”

Stephen Martin, consultant to Margaret and Jeannie at the Glenboig Slimming World classes, said: “I’m so proud of both remarkable women, who are both outstanding representatives of all that is great about Slimming World.

“They have been terrific additions to their groups and very worthy winners of our women of the year awards.

“Margaret and Jeannie are inspirational figures and seeing them do so well gives me a massive sense of pride.”

Find out more about Stephen’s Glenboig groups by visiting wwww.facebook.com/ GlenboigSWwithStephen/

Wonderful woman It was a proud moment for Jeannie, who has also hit her target weight