A SUCCESSFUL slimmer who shed her weight in Ellesmere Port is now shaping up to help others achieve their weight-loss dreams in Chester.

Dawn Hynes joined her local Slimming World group in Ellesmere Port and lost three stone, dropping from a size 16 to a size 12.

Dawn is now ready and excited to be relaunching the Hoole group at All Saints Church, having trained as a consultant for Slimming World. Members at the group are getting ready to welcome Dawn when she takes over the group on Tuesday, April 19.

She says: “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK. When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started.

"After losing three stone and completing my training, 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 target.

“Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost three stone 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 targets, 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 tons of support, encouragement and fun.

“Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too. Our Body Magic programme takes the threat out of activity by showing people, many of whom have unpleasant memories of being forced to take part in activity at school, how they can build activity into their daily routine without having to take up traditional forms of exercise like going to the gym or running.

"Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car. I love walking and am active running around after my little boys to get my Body Magic! As a consultant it’s my role to create that warm, supportive atmosphere to get people sharing their ideas and experiences to help others - it’s going to be great fun!”

There are currently around 4,000 Slimming World consultants across the UK and Ireland running 15,000 groups.

As self-employed micro-entrepreneurs, Consultants also learn how to build a successful community-based business.

Dawn added she can’t wait for the new challenges running her own business will bring.

She said: “For me becoming a self-employed franchisee was a great option. I wanted a job that was well paid, flexible and could fit around my busy family life, so launching my own Slimming World group was an ideal option – I feel like I’ve got a brand new career and I can’t wait for my new groups to run now!

Bonnie Campbell, who runs Slimming World groups and supports Dawn as a team developer, said: “Slimming World consultants are chosen for their positive outlook and because they genuinely care about the health and happiness of others.

"With Dawn’s experience of being a successful Slimming World member and her kind and warm personality and great sense of humour I just know that she’ll be an amazing support to members, cheering them all the way to their target weight.”

Dawn’s Slimming World group will be held at All Saints Church in Hoole, Chester every Tuesday at 5.30pm and 7pm from April 19. For more information or to join Dawn’s group, visit the group on April 19 or call her on 07788 379098.