Burnham Slimming World woman of the year

Maria Hilling, 51, from Burnham has been selected to represent the town’s group in the national competition.

She slimmed from 15 stone 7lb to nine stone in just 16 months.

Maria will now be entering the Slimming World’s Woman of the Year competition which celebrates the achievements of thousands of women in the UK and Ireland.

The winner will be announced in September and will take home £4,000.

Maria went from a dress size 22 to an eight during her journey with the group.

She said: “When I first joined, I never dreamt that I would be in the position I am now.

“Losing weight has made such a big difference to my life. My health has improved, I have more energy, I’m happier and I feel more comfortable in my own skin.”

Maria joined the group in September last year after feeling unhappy and worrying about the risk of heart disease in her family.

She said: “I look forward to going each week to catch up with all of my new friends – I just love it.

READ MORE>>> Police looking for two men after an assault in a popular bar

“I feel like a different woman to the one who walked into Slimming World 11 months ago and winning Woman of the Year is a real honour because there are so many amazing women in our group.

“I remember feeling like I would never be happy in my own skin again, but I’ve realised that when people believe in you – and you believe in yourself – you can do anything you set your mind to.

“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 Burnham on Crouch group.

“My goal now is to maintain my personal achievement target and stay there for life, which I know I can do.”

Anyone is welcome to join the Burnham Slimming World group held every Wednesday at 5pm and 7pm at the Village Hall. To join or find out more call Kay on 07889 143934.