A WOMAN who has helped a group lose more than 550 stone this year has become only the fifth person to ever achieve 'Gold status' in her organisation.
Natalie Garner, a Slimming World consultant has received an award in recognition of the support she provides to people in Basingstoke to help them live happier, healthier lives.
Natalie Garner, who runs the Viables and Popley groups every week was awarded Gold Plus by the weight loss organisation for the first time and Gold status twice thanks to the number of people she supports each week, the high level of service she provides and the weight losses those members achieve.
She is one of only five consultants to have ever achieved Gold Plus status. Natalie has helped more than 100 of her members to achieve their target weights so far this year and, with many more close to scoring their goals too she is hugely proud of the difference she makes within her local community.
READ MORE: 'It's about to blow' - Fears for safety as leaking sewage bubbles near school
She said: "While I’m the one receiving this award, it’s an achievement for everyone in the Viables group – they’ve absolutely gone for gold when it comes to their weight loss. So far this year they’ve lost a total of 550 stone.
"Often people have pre-conceived ideas of what slimming clubs are like. And I’m delighted that our Slimming World group always surprises people – people might think losing weight is going to be about feeling guilty or ashamed, or worse being humiliated, but there’s no place for that at Slimming World.
"They’re even more surprised when they find out about our healthy eating plan. Food Optimising has never been a diet or about going hungry, it gives members the freedom to enjoy naturally healthy everyday food in generous portions.
"It’s a way of eating you can keep up for good because you can still enjoy food and live your life.
"Seeing people discover that they can lose weight and that it doesn’t have to be a miserable experience is nothing short of magic.
"I truly believe I have the best role in the world. The support and training I’ve received from Slimming World has been second to none, and I love that they provide awards like this one to celebrate our achievements."
The Viables groups are held on Wednesdays at 4.30pm, 6pm and 7.30pm and Fridays 8am, 9.30 and 11am. The Popley group is held on Wednesdays at 8am and 9.30am
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here