By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
A Slimming World National Woman of The Year is launching a brand new Slimming World group in Southport this January – after losing an incredible 18 stone with the group herself.
Local teacher Kelly Barker, Slimming World’s National Woman of the Year 2023, is launching a brand-new group at Ainsdale Methodist Church, Ainsdale, Southport, PR8 3NQ from Friday, January 3rd, 2025, with sessions at 5.30pm and 7pm.
Kelly says she had been overweight since childhood but was inspired to make a change through her fears of dying on a hospital operating table.
As 2025 approaches, she is now keen to share the experience of her journey as she encourages people about making changes to their lives to make that first step and join her group.
At her heaviest at over 28 stone , Kelly struggled with the physical and emotional challenges of carrying extra weight.
Kelly felt desperate, alone, at rock bottom and with nowhere to turn for support.
Having tried and failed all other attempts to lose weight, when her GP offered bariatric surgery as a last resort to help save her life, the fear of dying on the operating table and leaving her son without a mother led her to Slimming World.
She knew that she owed it to her family to give it one last go to find a healthy eating plan that would fit in with her family life, where she could enjoy real, tasty food whilst achieving the weight loss goals she’d always dreamed of.
That’s when Kelly discovered Slimming World, reclaimed her health and life, and never looked back.
She said: “When I joined my local Slimming World group, I found not just a plan to follow but a supportive community that transformed my life in every way and gave my son the mother I always knew he deserved – and one that would be around to see him grow into the young man I am so very proud of.
“It all began with her lightbulb moment. Within just 90 minutes of my first group session, I felt something amazing shift inside me. Listening to my consultant explain the Slimming World plan during the New Member Talk, I realised that this wasn’t about strict dieting or giving up my favourite foods – this plan was different. It was unlike the others as I discovered I would never feel deprived or go hungry.
“It was about embracing a flexible, sustainable way of eating real food that fit into my family life and one that I could sustain for life. So much so, my new found love of real family-friendly recipes became a hit on instagram at Mrsb_slimmingworld_2019 where tens of thousands of people follow my recipe inspiration and love of food!
“In group, sitting in a room filled with real people who had been where she was, I discovered a sense of belonging and understanding I had never experienced before.
“I no longer felt alone. As I listened to other members share their success stories during IMAGE Therapy and watched them celebrate their milestones, I felt a spark of inspiration.
“For the first time in years, I believed in myself. I left that first session feeling motivated, confident, and ready to take on her weight loss journey.
“Armed with the Slimming World plan, I knew I could achieve the health and weight loss results I had been dreaming of, and be supported every step along the way by my consultant and my army of new friends and biggest cheerleaders in my group.”
Since that first day of walking into her local Slimming World group in Southport, the results have been remarkable.
Kelly’s journey has shown that people can improve their lives – as long as they are willing to take that first step towards making changes.
What a journey it’s been! Kelly went on to lose an incredible 18 stone, achieving her dream weight and then being crowned Slimming World’s National Woman of the Year 2023.
Her transformation wasn’t just about weight loss – it was about reclaiming her health, rediscovering her confidence, and finding joy in everyday life, one she now leads to the fullest with her very proud son by her side.
She said: “Where once I felt that life was passing me by and I was barely existing, I now grab every opportunity of life with both hands.
“Now, I am ready to share my passion for food optimising and pay forward the support and encouragement I received by becoming a Slimming World consultant myself.
“On Friday, January 3rd, 2025, I will launch a brand new Slimming World group at Ainsdale Methodist Church in Southport, with sessions at 5:30pm and 7pm. Everyone is welcome!
“I know better than anyone how daunting it can feel to take that first step. That’s why I am determined to create a group where every member feels welcomed, supported, and inspired.
“My group will be a place where real transformations happen, where people discover their own lightbulb moment, and where the belief of a consultant and the power of community can help anyone achieve their goals.”
Kelly’s story is music to the ears of anyone who feels stuck in their weight loss journey. She is living proof that Slimming World works – not just because of the plan itself, but because of the caring, understanding, and motivating community that comes with it. The Slimming World family.
If you’ve ever wondered if this could work for you, let amazing Kelly’s journey inspire you. With lots of special joining offers available, this is the perfect time to start your own transformation. Get in touch with Kelly on Facebook at Slimming World Ainsdale with Kelly or contacting 07493 078193 to find out more. She will be delighted to welcome you into group.
Join her at Ainsdale Methodist Church on Friday, January 3rd, 2025, and let her guide you on your own path to success. Your lightbulb moment is waiting.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrownn@gmail.com
