A WOMAN from Altarnun, who won Slimming World’s ‘Woman of the Year’, is to open her own class in Launceston.

Having lost her father to a heart attack at just 45 years of age, Jane Roberts was prompted to take stock of, and responsibility for, her own health.

Jane, a mother of four, said: “I was now 45, over 15 stone, with both high cholesterol and high blood pressure”.

It was looking back at old photos from a family holiday last year that made her realise her weight was taking over, and potentially threatening, her life.

“I didn’t want to miss seeing my children grow up, graduate from university and have families of their own.

“As a keen baker, I would bake cakes every day in time for the children when they came home from school. Unfortunately, the weight just kept creeping on, as it often does when we have children.”

Jane joined Slimming World in February 2015.

“I was so nervous walking into the group but I was made to feel very welcome and soon realised that I was not on my own”.

At Slimming World members set their own targets and weights are never shared. There is no judgment or humiliation in the group, only encouragement and support.

Jane said: “Had you asked me nine months ago if it was possible to lose three stone I would have said no way!”

“The Food Optimisation principle is easy to follow. You are able to eat real food and you never feel hungry. Sometimes everyday life can get in the way but the support of the group helps to keep you on track. You share experiences and learn from the ideas of others. The more positive you feel, the easier you’ll find losing weight”.

Losing three stone has reduced Jane’s risk of heart disease and her cholesterol is now back in normal range, along with her blood pressure.

Jane says her life has changed since losing weight. She has more energy and attends a Zumba class every week, she has boosted her self-confidence and shopping for clothes is now pleasurable for her.

Jane has won both the ‘Woman of the Year’ and ‘Miss Slinky’ titles and now wants to help others reach their weight loss dreams.

She will be opening her own group on Wednesday, December 30, at 7.30pm, at Launceston Football Club on Pennygillam Industrial Estate.

Further information can be found on the website www.slimmingworld.com or by calling Jane on 07769 734316.