Slimmers celebrate milestone

Between them, the members of Thornhill Slimming World have lost more than 100st since the group was founded in January.

Consultant Joanne Jackson set up the Thornhill group after being named Heckmondwike Slimming World’s Woman of the Year for losing more than four stone last year and dropping from a size 20/22. She was also made redundant on New Year’s Eve.

“There was that, but also when you’ve had success yourself, you want to help other people and help them achieve what they want to do.”

The group started with 46 members, but now has 60 thanks to word-of-mouth.

Joanne said: “The group members always amaze me with their weight losses, but to be over 100st lighter in just 19 weeks is amazing.

“The group averages between five and six stone lost every week. The members tell me how fantastic they feel losing weight every week and the fact there is no reason to go hungry really appeals to them.

“I absolutely adore it.

“One member has lost four stone and a couple of others are at about three-and-a-half. People are seeing things like that and they’re coming.”

Joanne said her favourite part of her job was when people met their weight-loss targets.

“That’s the best part of the job without a doubt,” she said.

“I help them and try to keep them motivated, but it’s them who are doing all the work.”