Two inspirational Southport women have reached the semi-finals of a competition to find the UK and Ireland’s top female slimmers.
Dawn Haney, 34, and Donna Ludlow, 36, were both celebrated for their efforts in the prestigious national competition.
Dawn and Donna were joined by two other slimmers from Merseyside, alongside Toni Calland, 35 and Sami Gates, 34.
They were four of just 44 women to win a place at the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2023 competition after losing an inspirational 29st 9.5lb between them.
The ladies made it to the semi-finals after members of their local Slimming World groups voted for them to go forward to the national Woman of the Year 2023 semi-finals which were held at Slimming World’s head office in Derbyshire.
Dawn Haney, who slimmed from 17st 10 lbs to 9st 8.5lbs at Fiona Foulder’s Kew group in Southport, said:
“Before I joined Slimming World I was at a loss with what to do about my weight, I was self conscious and often unhappy but I didn’t know where to start. I found Slimming World after my mum encouraged me to join and decided to give it a go.
“I didn’t know at the time, but I can honestly say now that it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Donna Ludlow, who joined her local Southport group at 17st 6.5lbs slimmed down to 8st 10.5lbs with help from her Consultant Dee Wright said:
“When I joined Dee’s group my eyes were opened to a new way of eating that fits easily around my life and I felt in control for the first time ever.
“What made it even easier was that I could still enjoy the same meals as my friends and family.
“Old favourites like spaghetti carbonara, chips, curries and pizza are all still on the menu, I just prepare and cook them differently now.”
Toni Calland joined who joined her local Old Swan Slimming World group in Liverpool at 19st 1lbs now 12st 11lbs, says it was the small changes and her supportive Consultant Clare that made a big difference:
“The changes I made were so simple – little things like switching white bread for wholemeal and using low-calorie cooking spray instead of oil. It wasn’t long before people started to notice the difference in me and that gave me a huge boost to keep going!
“The members at group and Clare have been amazing. I’ve picked up so many tips, everyone is full of ideas and advice, and their belief in me really helped me to believe in myself and my own ability to make a change.”
Sami Gates agreed saying:
“Each week my Great Sutton group, as well as talking about food and supporting one another, we’d also chat about the physical activities that people did. As time went on I decided to give it a go and started short walks with my baby and I now enjoy taking part in family activities and going on longer walks.
“Slimming World has completely changed my life, I’ve slimmed from an unhealthy 17st 6.5lbs to a now active 10st 12.5lbs. I was encouraged by my Consultant Ebony to start with small steps, take it at my own pace and build it up when I was ready – it was the perfect way for me to get started.”
Fiona Foulder, who runs the Kew (Southport) group that Dawn attends, said:
“It’s been wonderful to see the change in Dawn each week. The change on the outside is plain to see and on the inside, she has grown in confidence and she believes in herself now.”
Dee Wright, Donna’s Consultant said:
“I feel very lucky to have Donna in my Slimming World group, she gives so much support to the other members and if there’s anyone feeling like Donna did before joining group she is such a great example of what can be achieved.
“We would love to welcome anyone who’d like to lose weight to our warm and friendly Merseyside groups.”
You can find out your closest Slimming World group is at www.slimmingworld.co.uk.
Unfortunately, Dawn, Donna, Sami or Toni were not the overall winners of the competition. Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2023 will be announced in November.
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