Weight-loss hero is in running for UK title

TRICIA JONES after her weight loss

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A CHADDERTON mum is weighing in for the Slimming World regional finals after shedding five-and-a-half stone in little over a year.

Mum-of-one, Tricia Jones (45), has gone from 16st 12lbs to 11st 15 lbs in 15 months and has experienced such a life-changing effect she even took part in this year's Great Manchester Run 10K.

After being crowned Chadderton's Slimming World 'Woman of the Year' 2017 by her group, Springbank Bowling Club Slimming World, she's now heading for the regional heat at the Preston Marriot Hotel on September 9 and stands the chance of claiming the national title as the UK and Ireland's most inspiring female slimmer.

Tricia, who has gone from a size 20/22 to a 12, said: "When I started out I never dreamed I'd be able to achieve all that I have. Losing the weight has made such a big difference - it's changed my life. My health is better, I have more energy and I'm much happier now. I definitely feel more comfortable in my own skin."

She joined Slimming World in January 2016 after becoming increasingly unhappy with her size and after seeing a photo shared on social media.

"My weight has been up and down since I was 19 and I struggled to shift the weight after having my daughter 16 years ago," added Tricia, a senior business development executive at Middleton-based Risco Group UK.

"I tried lots of different diets but they usually left me feeling hungry or miserable or both. With Slimming World it's completely different, I never have to miss out and I don't have to get hung up on weighing and measuring everything I eat. My family and friends are all amazed by how much I can eat and still lose weight. I still eat many of the same meals that I did before I started losing weight, like spaghetti bolognese, curries and roast dinners. Now I just prepare and cook them differently - and they taste so much better. I've picked up lots of new healthy recipes from the other members at my Slimming World group, too."

Tricia lost five pounds in her first week and was blown away that the changes she made had such a big impact so quickly.

As the weight started to come off, her fitness improved and Tricia now loves running.

"I feel like a different woman to the person who walked into Slimming World 19 months ago and winning Woman of the Year is a real honour as there are some amazing people in our group.

"I remember feeling like there was no hope when it came to my weight, but when people believe in you - and you believe in yourself - you can do anything you set your mind to. "

Kay Lomas, who runs the Springbank Bowling Club group, said: "I'm so proud of Tricia. She's a fantastic ambassador for Slimming World. She's a huge inspiration to everyone in our group."