The Slimming World community in Southport is paying heartfelt tribute to Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE, the inspiring founder of Slimming World, who passed away on Sunday, 2nd February, 2025.
Margaret’s vision and determination have touched countless lives since she started Slimming World in 1969. She believed in creating a world where people living with obesity could lose weight without judgment, shame, or guilt. That vision has transformed lives for more than five decades, including those of Southport members and Consultants such as Fiona, Kelly, Dee, Jayne, Steph, Chris, Nicola, Nicky, Lindsey, and Anna.
Fiona Foulder, who leads Slimming World groups in Southport and has lost over 4½ stone, shared how Margaret’s vision changed her life. She said:
“When I was told my weight was putting my life at serious risk, I felt completely hopeless. I was in and out of the hospital constantly due to brittle asthma and was told I wasn’t eligible for life-changing medication because of my weight. That was the turning point for me. I joined Slimming World, made the changes I needed to save my life, and never looked back. Now, I get to help others do the same in group every single week, and it’s all thanks to Margaret.”
Kelly Barker, who lost an incredible 18 stone and was named Slimming World’s National Woman of the Year 2023, reflected on how Margaret’s approach gave her a new lease on life:
“Before I found Slimming World, I felt completely stuck. I never thought I could achieve this kind of weight loss or the life I’m living now. But Margaret created a plan that made it possible, and the support in group is something you can’t find anywhere else. I’ll always be grateful to her for helping me change my life.”
Chris, a dedicated Slimming World Consultant, spoke about how Margaret’s founding principles continue to inspire his work every day:
“Margaret’s legacy is in every group, in every member success story, and in every small win along the way. She made sure Slimming World was a place where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered. It’s such a privilege to carry that forward.”
Southport Slimming World Consultant Dee Wright said:
“Slimming World is more than a weight loss group; it’s a family. Margaret gave people a place where they belong, no matter where they’re starting from or what challenges they’ve faced.”
Nicola, another Consultant, reflects on how Margaret’s legacy continues to grow:
“Margaret’s belief that everyone deserves kindness and understanding is at the heart of everything we do. We see it every day in group when members feel supported and start to believe in themselves again.”
The impact of Margaret’s work will live on through every member, Consultant, and Team Developer in Southport and across the UK. Anna reflects:
“The best tribute we can give Margaret is to carry on her mission—to help as many people as possible change their lives for the better.”
Margaret’s passing is a tremendous loss, but her legacy will continue to inspire and transform lives for years to come. The Slimming World Southport team is dedicated to honoring that legacy in every group they run.
Slimming World Southport
Find a group near you at www.slimmingworld.co.uk
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