Frodsham resident Julie McMorran is a shadow of her former self – for all the right reasons!

More than ten years ago Julie was facing the prospect of being ‘fat and forty’ and knew it was time to take action.

She said: “I have struggled with weight all of my life and turning forty made me realise I was probably eating myself into an early grave. My joints were starting to hurt and I felt ugly and uncomfortable. I knew I had to take control.”

Julie joined Slimming World in January 2004 having made it her New Year’s resolution to lose weight. And lose weight she did. She lost almost half a stone the first week and over the next two years she lost more than six stones, taking up running and cycling along the way.

Julie McMorran, who has set up a Slimming World group in Frodsham, before she lost over six stone

Julie said: “It has been truly life changing. Slimming World’s fantastic programme means never being hungry and I was able to enjoy my favourite meals such as pasta, curry, stir fries and good old egg and chips! And the support at weekly group meetings is second to none. I still go every week to get weighed and receive the support and encouragement of fellow members, many of whom have become lifelong friends. I can’t imagine my life without Slimming World. It has helped me become the person I want to be.”

Now Julie has set up her own group in order to help others to lose weight. She added: “If I can lose weight, anyone can. I want to offer inspiration, guidance and support to those wanting to lose a few pounds or a few stone. Slimming World offers a fantastic eating plan and brilliant, non-judgemental support. It’s a scary step – I can remember being really anxious about joining – but a warm and friendly welcome awaits those who come along.”

Julie’s group opened on New Year’s Day and will take place every Thursday at 7pm at Frodsham Community Centre on Fluin Lane in Frodsham. On January 8 and 15 only it will be held at Frodsham Methodist Church on Kingsley Road in Frodsham.