A RHYL dad who has lost an incredible 10 stone was one of the star success stories on show as Slimming World put on a display at Cheshire Oaks.

Excited residents turned out in force on Saturday, August 31, when Slimming World’s golden birthday bus paid a visit to Cheshire Oaks in Ellesmere Port. The double decker bus, which is touring the UK and Ireland to celebrate and share Slimming World’s 50th anniversary year, is set to visit 59 areas between July and September.

As part of the events, guests were invited to watch live cookery demonstrations and sample some of Slimming World’s famous recipes. Also on board the bus were some of the inspirational local slimmers whose lives have changed thanks to losing weight – including Ben Green from Rhyl.

Ben lost over 10 stone and transformed his health, has become the dad they always wanted to be and who recently came runner up in the national Man of the Year competition.

The factory worker admitted that for years, he had struggled with his weight.

At his heaviest last year, he weighed almost 25 stone. He now weighs under 14 and a half stone.

Michelle Smithies from Manchester, who featured in Slimming World’s magazine and has kept at her weight loss target for the last two years since achieving it, also joined Ben on the bus at Cheshire Oaks.

The pair told the Journal that they were really honoured to represent Slimming World on the golden tour bus and felt so proud to be able to share our stories with people who came to visit.

Ben said: “Slimming World has completely transformed my life. I’ve gone from being overweight, unhappy and constantly too tired to play with my children to feeling healthy, confident and full of energy.”

Slimming World support people across the country to lose weight each week and Gill Rhouma, district manager for North Wales, Wirral and Cheshire, was part of the team meeting members of the public.

Gill, who herself lost six stone with Slimming World, said: “When our members lose weight, we see more than just a physical transformation. Above all, we see their confidence bloom. Many go from nervous and shy new members who are very uncomfortable with the way they look, to confident, healthy and happy individuals with a new lease of life and a twinkle in their eye.

“They learn to remove feelings of guilt around food, and instead feel empowered by all the food they can enjoy on Slimming World’s healthy eating plan. Lots of people who tried the tasters on the bus said they couldn’t believe they could eat food so tasty and lose weight – we know they can!”