A WOMAN who lost more than eight stone made it to the semi-finals of a competition to find the UK and Ireland's most inspirational female slimmers.

Sue Hoyles, who attends the Golborne Slimming World group, went from 20st 12lbs to 12st 6.5lbs - a total weight loss of 8st 5.5lbs.

The 57-year-old was one of 35 women to attend Slimming World's Woman of the Year 2019 contest.

She received votes from her fellow group members to represent them at the company's semi-finals at its head office in Derbyshire, where former X Factor star Jake Quikenden was a special guest.

Sue said: “Before I found Slimming World everything just felt like such a struggle.

"I felt uncomfortable all the time and would get out of breath doing the most simple jobs.

"I had resigned myself to being the size I was forever because having so much weight to lose just felt like a huge battle.

“After I joined Slimming World my eyes were completely opened, I found a new way of eating that fit easily around my life and I finally felt in control.

"What made it even better was that I could still enjoy my favourite meals like spaghetti carbonara and takeaway-style dishes, I just prepared and cooked them differently.

“At the start of my journey if you told me I would be representing my group at the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Woman of the Year competition I would have laughed at the thought.

"The changes I made were so simple though – little things like switching white bread for wholemeal and using low-calorie cooking spray instead of oil.

"I soon started to notice big changes and it wasn’t long before my clothes were too big and I was in the next size down.

“My Slimming World group is amazing, I pick up so many tips and recipe ideas each week and the support I get from the other members and my consultant Julie has really helped me to believe in myself.

"I honestly don’t think I could have done it without them!

“As the numbers dropped on the scales each week and my confidence increased I started to think about how active I was so I started using and exercise bike and walking more.

"I really enjoy my walks now, whereas it was something I only ever did before if I had to. Slimming World has completely changed my life.”

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Jake, who finished runner up on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and won Dancing on Ice last year, could not believe Sue’s transformation.

He said: “I think Sue looks incredible, to turn her life around like she has is amazing.

"She seems so full of confidence now and it’s hard to believe that she ever had an issue with her weight.

"It’s a reminder that with support and commitment you can do anything you set your mind to.”

Julie Woodward runs the Golborne group that Sue attends.

She said: “Having Sue in my group is wonderful.

"Her remarkable transformation has inspired so many of her fellow slimmers and she gives them so much support each week – we are lucky to have her.

"The change on the outside is plain to see, but she has grown so much in confidence too and these days Sue’s ready to take on whatever challenges life throws at her.

"I’m certain that’s why the members of the group chose her to represent them at Slimming World’s Woman of the Year awards.

"We couldn’t be prouder.

“I know that Sue will inspire lots of other people in Golborne who are struggling with their weight and would like to feel healthier and more confident, to take that step and join our group.

"I’d love to see them at Heath Street Methodist Church or they can call me on 07584037483 – there’s always a warm welcome waiting for them.”

Unfortunately Sue was not the overall winner of the competition.

Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2019 will be announced in November.