A SUPER slimmer has been named Launceston’s Slimming World, ‘Woman of the Year 2018’ thanks to her life-changing 4st 11.5lbs weight loss.

Dawn Bailey, from Launceston St John Ambulance Hall group, has gone from 14st 4lbs to 9st 4.5lbs and now she has represented the Launceston Slimming World group in the nationwide Slimming World Woman of the Year 2018 competition, which aims to find the UK and Ireland’s most inspiring female slimmer.

More than half of all women in the UK and Ireland (58%) are overweight and a quarter of women’s weight is so high it risks impacting on their health, by increasing their chances of developing a range of conditions including diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Slimming World’s Woman of the Year competition recognises the achievements of thousands of women up and down the country, who have made long-term, healthy lifestyle changes.

Dawn, who has gone from a dress size 18/20 to a 10, said: “I never could have dreamt that I’d be in this position when I first began my weight loss journey. Losing weight has made such a big difference to me. My health is better, I have more energy, I’m happier and I feel more comfortable in my own skin.”

Dawn went through to the regional finals of the competition, putting her in the running for the national title.

Kate Elston, who runs the Thursday St John Ambulance group, said: “I’m so proud of Dawn. She’s a fantastic ambassador for Slimming World and what she’s achieved is nothing short of incredible. She’s a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope she inspires other women — and men — in Launceston to change their lives in the same way.”

Dawn said: “I feel like a different woman to the one who walked into Slimming World all those months-ago and winning Woman of the Year is a real honour because there are so many amazing women in our group. I remember feeling like there was no hope when it came to my weight, but I’ve realised that when people believe in you — and you believe in yourself — you can do anything you set your mind to.

“I really hope my weight loss can inspire other people to get started on their own journey and know that there’s a whole group of people waiting to support them every step of the way — especially at the Launceston group. Having hit my target, my goal now is to stay there for life, which I know I can do.”