A SLIMMER who transformed her life after losing four stone is set to help other people achieve their weight loss goals.

Sara McCarthy joined a Slimming World group in Atherton in 2014 and dropped from size 20 to size 10 in 10 months.

After training as a Slimming World consultant, Sara went on to run Lostock Parish Centre Slimming World in Bolton for more than four years.

She has helped hundreds with their weight loss and is a finalist in the Weight Loss Management Leader category of the Bolton Health and Wellbeing Awards being held on October 12.

Atherton Baptist Church members are getting ready to welcome her as their new consultant when she takes over the groups from Wednesday.

Leigh Journal:

Sara McCarthy with her sons Kieron, five, and Zac, seven

Sara, 37, who lives in Hindsford, said: "It’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to my target weight.

“Support is really the most important thing.

"It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost five dress sizes without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own consultant and group.

"As someone who has lost weight myself I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight.

"Setting goals, sharing recipes and other ideas, and working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success is so important to a successful journey.

"That’s why, at my Slimming World group, there’ll be tonnes of support, encouragement and fun.

“Like a lot of slimmers I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different.

"I never felt like I was on a diet.

"The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation.

"I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without ever being hungry.

"Shopping for clothes is now one of my new hobbies!

“Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too.

"Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car.

"As a single mum making it work for the whole family was so important to me.

"I can incorporate activity with enjoying time with my boys, Zac, seven, and Kieron, five.

"They love me joining in. We even tried rock climbing for the first time last month.

"As a consultant it’s my role to create that warm, supportive atmosphere to get people sharing their ideas and experiences to help others."

Leigh Journal:

Sara with her sons

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Claire Mountford runs Slimming World’s Lowton group and manages Sara as a team developer.

She said: “Slimming World consultants are chosen for their positive outlook and because they genuinely care about the health and happiness of others.

"With Sara’s experience of being a successful Slimming World member and with a being consultant of more than four years and her kind and warm personality and great sense of humour, "I just know that she’ll be an amazing support to the Atherton Baptist Church members.

She will cheer them all the way to their target weight.”

Sara’s Slimming World group classes will be held at Atherton Baptist Church every Wednesday, at 5pm and 7pm, and Thursdays at 9am, 11am, 5pm and 7pm.

For more information or to join Sara’s group go to one of the sessions contact her on 07446 957789.