A MOTHER and daughter team are celebrating together as their joint weight loss journey has seen them lose a combined NINE stone so far.

Linda Griffiths and Michelle Caddick said they had struggled with weight and had tried a number of diets and solutions in the past, but without success.

The pair joined their local Slimming World group in Orford in November last year, with the goal being to shed some pounds before Michelle’s upcoming wedding.

Such has been their success that in the past five months, Linda, 66, has lost more than three and a half stone, while 44-year-old Michelle has shed five and a half stone.

Michelle was crowned the slimming group’s ‘greatest loser’ in recognition of her achievement, also being awarded the ‘woman of the year’ title.

“I wanted to lose weight as I have booked my wedding in Mexico for October and I did not want to be a fat bride,” said Michelle, who works as a prison officer at HMP Styal.

“I have tried other things but not Slimming World, so me and my mum were completely new to it, but we have come in and it seems to have worked for us.

“The wedding was the key reason for both of us, but also health reasons for my mum.

Michelle has lost five and a half stone in five months

Michelle has lost five and a half stone in five months

“We tried faddy diets where you can only eat at certain times of the day, the keto diet and Weight Watchers, but none of them seemed to have worked well and they were hard to maintain.

“Slimming World seems to be really good as you can eat what you want and are not hungry, as I cannot stand lying in bed with my tummy rumbling.”

Michelle learnt about the group after spotting a sign at Orford Community Centre while walking her children to school and thought she would give it a try.

Both her and her mum have continued to attend each week and say the support from their consultant and fellow group members has helped tremendously to their success.

“I am really pleased with the progress so far. My daughter is eight and weighs five stone, so when I picked her up the other day I thought that is what I have been carrying around,” Michelle continued.

“Mum is steadily losing weight, and she is really happy. We have still got some way to go, but we are looking at the light at the end of the tunnel.

“The support of being in a group and losing weight as a group has really helped, and getting to know people who are there for the same reasons is really supportive.

“I have got lots more energy when looking after the kids I just feel miles better in myself. My clothes fit better and I am not worried that if I sit in a plastic garden chair, it will fall apart under me.

Linda has lost three and a half stone in five months

Linda has lost three and a half stone in five months

“I would absolutely encourage other people thinking of losing wight to use the group – it is a little family almost which is lovely, and the social side of it is good as well for people who do not get out much.”

Nicky Beesley, team developer for Slimming World in north Warrington, added: “Lots of people try to lose weight at home and are often unsuccessful. The support in Slimming World groups is so important to success.

“There is so much help, ideas, motivation and inspiration to keep you on track and support you all the way to your dream weight.

“If you are thinking about losing weight and want to change for life, not just a quick fix, and if you want to enjoy every day healthy eating and build activity into your lifestyle, please come along to one of my groups and let me show you how easy it really can be.

“I have a big family and I have food optimised with them and do not have to cook myself separate meals, so it really is simple and so family friendly.”

For those wishing to get involved, the group sessions are held every Tuesday at 9.30am at Orford Community Centre, or every Wednesday at 9.30am, 11am, 3.30pm, 5pm and 6.30pm at Birchwood Community Centre.

For more information, call Nicky on 07765915148.