A SLIMMER who lost more than half of her bodyweight has been presented with a special award.

Lisa Ellison, from Leigh, joined Slimming World at Kingsleigh Methodist Church in January 2016 when she weighed 22 stone 4 ½lbs.

She lost more than 11 stone and got down 10 stone 13lbs by October 2017 - and has managed to stay at her target weight for two years.

Slimming World has now presented medical secretary Lisa with an award as well as a special letter from founder Margaret Miles- Bramwell and a £50 shopping voucher.

The accolade was presented to Lisa as part of Slimming World's 50th anniversary celebrations.

Medical secretary Lisa, 50, who has combined swimming with dieting, said: "I thought I would be able to lose a bit of weight but not half my bodyweight.

"I am really proud of myself for what I have achieved.

"I have more confidence now, its like I've been given a new lease of life.

"I was frightened of walking through the door at Slimming World at first because I thought everyone would stare at me.

"The first step people need to take is to walk through the door."

Slimming World members across Leigh have also painting the town gold as they celebrate the organisation's landmark birthday.

And they created a delicious feast for the event.

Slimmers brought along a Slimming World-friendly dish packed with "Free Food", which members can enjoy freely on the healthy eating plan to satisfy their appetite.

"Free Foods" include pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat, fruit and veg, fish and eggs.

Leigh Journal:

Lisa at a party celebrating Slimming World's 50th birthday

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Lisa said: “Slimming World has completely changed my life and celebrating with my fellow members at our golden party and receiving this award felt like the cherry on top of my journey.

"Being in the group has been a way of meeting other people and getting ideas.

"I’ve learned loads about food and cooking, and I can still enjoy burgers and chips, roast dinners and curries."

Lisa, who has faced physical obstacles after having both of her knees replaced, also reserved praise for her Slimming World consultant Sarah Cargill.

Sarah said the parties were a roaring success.

She said : “I absolutely loved throwing our golden parties celebrating success together, motivating each other, giving support and sharing inspiration is what Slimming World is all about.

"It was so good to see members enjoying the event with a new sense of confidence in themselves – and feel the amazing sense of camaraderie between them as real life-long friends.

"It’s so rewarding to see my members all so happy and having such a good time."