Losing 8 stone has changed my life, says Woman of the Year Laura
A31-YEAR-OLD has been nominated for Wokingham’s Slimming World ‘Woman of the Year’ 2017 thanks to her life-changing 8st weight loss. Laura Hinton, from Barkham, has gone from 20st to 12st in just 13 months. And now she’s been chosen to represent the Woosehill Slimming World group in the nationwide Slimming World Woman of the Year 2017 competition, which aims to find the UK and Ireland’s most inspiring female slimmer. More than half of all women in the UK and Ireland (58%) are overweight and a quarter of women’s weight risks impacting on their health by increasing their chances of developing a range of conditions including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Slimming World’s Woman of the Year competition recognises the achievements of thousands of women in making longterm healthy lifestyle changes. Laura, who has gone from a dress size 22-24 to a 12, says: “When I started out I never dreamt I’d be able to achieve all that I have. I look back at old photos and I see myself smiling, but I was never happy: now I love seeing pictures of the new me. “Losing the weight has changed my life. It’s great to be able to shop for clothes anywhere on the high street. “My health is better, I have more energy for my little boy, and I’m much happier now – for the first time in my life I feel confident and comfortable in my own skin.” She joined Slimming World in February 2016 after becoming increasingly unhappy with her size. “I know a lot of people worry about joining a slimming club because they don’t know what to expect,” Laura said. “Right from the first moment I walked into my Slimming World group I felt comfortable though, and the support I’ve received has been amazing. I look forward to going to Slimming World each week, especially now I’m at my target weight.” Laura lost a stone in her first month and was blown away that the changes she’d made had such a substantial impact so quickly. When Laura lost her first four stone, she joined a gym and is now addicted to exercise, especially circuit training and spinning classes. She says: “I feel like a different woman to the person who walked into Slimming World 13 months ago, and being nominated for Woman of the Year is a real honour because there are so many amazing members in our group. “I really hope my weight loss can inspire other people to get started on their own journey and know that there’s a whole group of people waiting to support them every step of the way – especially at the Woosehill group.” Now Laura will go forward to the regional finals of the competition, putting her in the running for the national title. The national Slimming World Woman of the Year 2017 will be announced in November and the winner will take home a £3,000 cash prize or a five-day holiday in Dubai. Claire Stradling, who runs the Woosehill group, says: “I’m so proud of Laura. She’s a fantastic ambassador for Slimming World and what she’s achieved is nothing short of incredible! “She’s a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope she inspires other women – and men – in Wokingham to change their lives in the same way.” The Woosehill Slimming World group is held every Saturday at 08.30am and 10.30am at Hawthorns School in Northway. To join or find out more call Claire on 07973 141843 or visit our Facebook page ‘Slimming World Wokingham – Woosehill and Emmbrook’