Berryfield in Melksham is welcoming a new face at its long-running Slimming World group – and she’s no stranger to the journey its members are on.
Local resident and business owner Jayne Hurd, who has been a Slimming World member since May 2016, has lost more than three stone and transformed her health and confidence. Now, after training at the Slimming World Academy in Derbyshire, she’s stepping up as the group’s new consultant, ready to inspire and support others towards their own weight loss success.
Jayne’s story is one of remarkable resilience. In 2012, she was diagnosed with cancer while raising her two young daughters as a single parent. “I was engulfed in the fear of not being around to see my beautiful girls grow up,” Jayne said. And coping through food, combined with the effects of treatment and steroids, caused her weight to spiral.
Her turning point came when her doctor told her she was pre-diabetic. “I couldn’t believe I had survived cancer only to be putting my health at risk again,” she says. “Having tried countless diets without lasting success, I decided to give Slimming World a try – and it was a decision that changed my life.
“From my first meeting, I was struck by the group’s warmth and honesty. I quickly discovered that I wasn’t alone in using food as comfort and that Slimming World’s plan was flexible, satisfying, and sustainable. Within her first week, I had lost 4.5lbs – the first loss since my diagnosis. Just months later, I was no longer pre-diabetic and had dropped 10% of my body weight.”
Fast forward nine years and Jayne is over three stone lighter, two dress sizes smaller, and ready to guide her fellow members as their new consultant.
“I’m so excited to be leading this group,” she says. “Our lovely members have supported me from the start, and now it’s my turn to support them – and anyone who walks through our doors feeling the way I did back in 2016.”
Jayne is passionate about creating a welcoming, judgment-free environment for all. “My motto is: Everyone welcome – No-one judged. We’re here for everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age or health. We also support people who are using weight loss medication – it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle alongside any medical treatment.”
The Berryfield Slimming World group meets every Tuesday at 5.30pm at Berryfield Village Hall, Melksham starting on 23rd September. For more information, call Jayne on 07488 367383.
Pictured: Jayne before and after her weight loss journey
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