An inspirational Herefordshire slimmer who has maintained her 3st 3lb weight loss for over 10 years has reached the semi-finals of a national competition recognising the importance of weight maintenance.

Debra Maloney, who runs Slimming World groups in Ross-on-Wye, was one of just 17 Slimming World Consultants from across the UK and Ireland to secure a place in the semi-finals of the organisation’s Top Target Consultant 2023 competition, held at the organisation’s head office in Derbyshire.

She lost weight after joining her local Slimming World group in August 2011, weighing 14st 3lbs after finding both her health and confidence were suffering.

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She reached her target weight of 11st in September 2012 and has maintained it ever since.

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She said: “Although I was nervous when I walked through the doors of the group for the first time, I soon realised I was surrounded by like-minded people.

"There was no judgement at all, and I knew with the support from the other members and my wonderful consultant I could lose the weight I wanted to – and keep it off too.

"I could always eat something if I felt hungry so I never felt deprived, and I think that’s been a key part of my success. Well, it must have been because I still eat in this same way today."

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After losing 3st 3lbs and reaching her target weight, she realised she had a passion for helping others and in 2015 decided to train to become a Slimming World consultant herself.

Now she supports 210 slimmers at her groups at the Larruperz Centre in Ross-on-Wye.

She said: “Before joining my Slimming World group, I felt tired and unattractive and suffered regularly with backache. Since losing weight, I no longer have backache and am full of life!”

Ms Maloney's Slimming World groups are held every Monday at 9.30am, 4pm and 5.30pm plus Tuesday at 7.30am NS 9am at the Larruperz Centre in Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7QD. Find out more at slimmingworld.co.uk or call Debra on 07895 257037.