AN inspirational slimming group leader has reached the semi-finals of a national competition after sharing her story of losing almost half her body weight, inspiring dozens of other Flintshire slimmers.

Emily Hill, who lost eight and a half stone since attending the Slimming World group in Queensferry, now runs her own groups at Flint Town Hall supporting locals to make healthy, lifelong changes and achieve their dreams.

The mum-of-three was one of 30 Consultants from across the UK and Ireland to bag a place in the finals, which celebrates Consultants who have successfully adopted a new healthy lifestyle and acknowledges the under-recognised achievement of keeping weight off in the long term.

The Leader:

She was then announced as one of the top eight consultants in the country after sharing her story.

At her heaviest, Emily weighed over 18 stone and found both her health and confidence were suffering.

So, in January 2015 the 38-year-old joined a local Slimming World group, reaching her target weight of nine stone and 12 pounds in 2018 and has kept it off ever since.

The Leader:

Emily at an award ceremony held at Slimming World's head office where she was named one of the best consultant's in the UK

Emily said: “Sharing tips and ideas and urging each other on to achieve our goals or being there to lift each other up when the going gets a little tough is what groups are all about. I know that has been a key part to my success.”

The 38-year-old went on to say how she was apprehensive when first walking through the doors of her local group but adds that it is without doubt one of the best decisions she has ever made and has a much more positive outlook on life now.

She said: “Slimming World helped and encouraged me to be more confident in my own skin and finally feel like I have a purpose in the world. I did not just address my weight issues, I changed my whole life.

The Leader:

Emily received an award from Slimming World for her work in Flint

“Before I lost the weight, I could never imagine doing some of things I do now, my confidence has increased so much. My worries about my weight consumed me and I found it very difficult to do many simple things I now enjoy, like going out with my friends and painting my own toenails.

“Since joining Slimming World it is as though a whole new world has been opened up to me. I might have lost weight, yet I have gained so much more. I have a new zest for life and, of course, my own business. My consultant was such a key part of my journey that the opportunity to do something for people in a similar situation just seemed perfect.”

The Leader:

Emily at her group session held in Flint Town Hall celebrating her one year anniversary as a consultant in August 2019

Emily’s journey did not end with her own weight loss and discovered a passion for supporting others to achieve their weight-loss dreams and decided to train to become a Slimming World Consultant.

She now helps over 350 slimmers at her groups which are held every Tuesday at 8am, 10am, 12pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm and Friday at 9am and 11am at Flint Town Hall.

The Leader has previously reported on the numerous success stories that have come from Emily’s group – including how, in her first year as a consultant, her members lost a combined 966 stone.

She continues: “I used to think that losing weight was one of the best feelings ever – I was wrong though because helping others and watching them transform, grow in confidence and do things they have always dreamed of is even better.”

“Of course, losing weight is just one part of the journey – being able to keep it off is another equally important step. Making the finals of this national competition is such an honour.”

Those wanting to find out more or get support with their own weight loss are welcome to join Emily’s group at Flint Town Hall. To find out more, call or text her on 07413 923581.