A super slimmer has been named Hanwell's Slimming World 'Woman of the Year 2020' thanks to her incredible 5st 7lb weight loss – in the first competition since Slimming World welcomed members back in-person to its community groups.

Mary Connor, 29 from Hanwell, has slimmed from 15st 11.5lb to 10st 3lb in just 39 weeks.

She's now been chosen to represent the Hanwell Slimming World group in the nationwide Slimming World Woman of the Year 2020 competition, which aims to find the UK and Ireland's most inspiring female slimmer and celebrate the achievements of thousands of women up and down the country who have made long-term healthy lifestyle changes.

Mary, who has dropped from dress size 16 to eight said: "When I first joined the Slimming World, I never dreamt that I would be in the position I am now.

"Losing weight has made such a big difference to my life.

"My health has improved, I have more energy, I'm happier and I feel more comfortable in my own skin."

Mary joined Slimming World in January 2020 after feeling unhappy about her size: "I started to put on weight after having my children I tried a number of different ways to lose weight, but they usually left me feeling hungry or miserable – or both, in fact.

"With Slimming World it's completely different.

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"I still eat all my favourite meals, like curries, carbonara & Shepherds pie.

"I just prepare and cook them differently now – and they taste so much better.

"I never have to miss out and I don't have to get hung up on weighing and measuring everything I eat.

"I know it can feel like a big step joining Slimming World because you don't know what to expect, but right from the first moment I walked into my group I was made to feel at ease though – and I've made lifelong friends.

"The support I've received throughout my journey has been amazing – especially during the last few months when my group went virtual – and being able to catch up through my online group each week was a lifeline that kept me going throughout lockdown.

"I've picked up so many tips from other members at my group and I've really enjoyed getting creative and trying new recipes.

"There's nothing quite like being together in group though and I'm so excited to now be seeing everyone in person!"

Mary lost 7lbs in her first week and was blown away that the changes she'd made had such a big impact so quickly.

Over time the changes became regular habits and as the weight started to come off.

She said: "I remember feeling like I would never be happy in my own skin again.

"I feel like a different woman to the one who walked into Slimming World at the beginning of the year and I've realised that when people believe in you like my Consultant Lisa and fellow members do – and you believe in yourself – you can do anything you set your mind to.

"Winning Woman of the Year is a real honour because there are so many amazing women (and men) in our group. And being able to celebrate with all my new friends around me, after months of being apart made this win feel more special."

Mary will now go forward to the next stages of the competition.

The national Slimming World Woman of the Year 2020 will be announced at the end of this month and the winner will take home a £4,000 (or Euro equivalent) cash prize.

Lisa Maskell, who runs the Hanwell group, said: "I couldn't be more proud of Mary.

She's a fantastic ambassador for Slimming World and what she's achieved – especially during the last few months which have been incredibly tough for many of us – is nothing short of incredible.

"I'm constantly inspired by Mary's determination each week and has come so far from the first time she walked into my group – she's now beaming with confidence and she's definitely made changes for life.

"Given the links between COVID-19 and obesity and the impact of lockdown, I know lots of people are worrying about their weight more than ever before, so I really hope Mary's weight loss can inspire people to get started on their own journey and show them that there's a whole group of people waiting to support them every step of the way – and absolutely no judgement."

The Hanwell Slimming World group is being held virtually during lockdown on Wednesdays.

To join or find out more call Lisa on 07944 806624.