A WHITCHURCH slimmer says her quality of life has gone from “zilch to 200 per cent” after shedding nearly 10 stones in less than 18 months.

Tanya Ridgway 55, from Whitchurch, has gone from a dress size 28 to a slim 12 with the help of friends, family and other member of Whitchurch’s Slimming World class, she says she has totally changed her life.

After some health issues Tanya was advised by her doctor to take up jogging to lose weight, but she opted to take a route chosen by many - Slimming World.

"To be honest I knew I had to do something about my weight so I went along to Tina’s Slimming World group," she said.

"Tina reassured me it was easy to stick to their optimising and the meetings were fun. With their encouragement I agreed to go along to get some help."

Tanya was very reluctant as she felt uncomfortable in how she looked, but she decided she had nothing to lose apart from those unwanted pounds, and has not looked back since 2017.

She added: "Knowing my weight is confidential, and knowing I’ve got the support I need to maintain my healthy weight once I’m at target.

"The extra easy plan is so flexible and easier than before. It’s a healthy way of eating that fits in with my lifestyle.

"I now love clothes shopping. I now wear dresses and I have a much healthier lifestyle and I never ever want to go back.

"Slimming World has completely changed my life but I really couldn’t have done it without the help of my husband Brian and daughter Olivia who encouraged me to go.

I started my weight loss journey with my friend Pam who I will always be thankful too, she reassured me it was easy to stick to the SW Food Optimising and the meetings were fun. With their encouragement I agreed to go along to a meeting.

"I have made so many lovely friends from the Whitchurch group and the inspirational stories and the advice is fantastic."

Tina Hayward, Tanya’s consultant, is delighted with the brilliant progress she has made.

“I am very proud of Tanya and so are her fellow members," she added. "Tanya has blossomed into a more confident lady and each week she gives plenty of support to everyone.

"Tanya said she wished she had found Slimming World sooner.

"Slimming World has changed her life and I would encourage anyone wanting to lose weight to go along to one of the groups.”

Tina holds groups at Whitchurch Slimming World group, which runs every Thursday at 10am, 12am, 5pm or 7pm at the Civic Centre, or find at Wem Methodist church every Wednesday at 5 and 7pm. Call 07894 225813 for more.