When Debra Maloney, now aged 55, went out to celebrate her 48th birthday seven years ago, she felt really good, only to be subsequently horrified at seeing a photo from the evening. This photo was the reality shock that years of yoyo dieting had achieved absolutely nothing and she vowed that such a photo would never be taken again. She set herself two ambitions and has achieved them both.

Debra’s weight was impacting on her life. She was feeling very lethargic and unattractive. Debra told the Ross Gazette:?“My energy levels were low and I just wasn’t happy with myself.” The following week she joined Sue Holdcroft’s Ross-on-Wye Slimming World group, and over the next 16 months achieved her first dream – a weight loss of three stone 11 pounds.

Debra says:?“The reason why Slimming World made such a difference is that it is not a diet, but a healthy eating plan that can be sustained. I could still eat all my favourite foods such as homemade lasagne, curry and even banoffee pie, whilst losing weight. Most importantly, I knew I would never go hungry. I could set my own personal achievement goal and all my information was kept completely confidential.”

She said:?“I was very proud to be voted Miss Slinky and Runner up for Woman of the Year in the Ross-on-Wye evening group for 2010. I couldn’t have achieved my success without the expert guidance from Sue, the support and wonderful recipe ideas from other group members and the tough love from lifelong friends who kept me on track.”

Sue added:?“It’s fabulous to see Debra feeling much more confident, healthier and enjoying a more active lifestyle, having started by walking more and going on to complete the Big Black Mountain Challenge in both 2011 and 2012.

“I felt so proud of Debra when she expressed an interest to help other people make their dreams of a fuller and healthier life a reality and become a Consultant. I’m so excited Debra’s second dream has come true – to be a Slimming World Consultant in Ross-on-Wye. Now we’re working together, between us we have five groups in the Larruperz Centre.”

For more information about the Monday 9.30am group call Sue on 07917 834512, or for the later sessions at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm as well as the Tuesday group at 9.00am call Debra on 07849 881986.