ABI had struggled with her weight since having her children. She wanted to be the best mum she could be and knew that her weight was impacting not only her confidence and how she was feeling but also what she was able to do with her two young children.

She knew losing weight would not only improve her physical and mental health but would mean she could be the mum she wanted to be.

Abi, from Wiveliscombe, said: “I felt so self-conscious because of my weight, getting dressed in the morning made me feel sad and I didn’t recognise the person looking back at me.

“I decided I wasn’t going to spend my 30s feeling the same way. It was time for me to look after myself to be the best mum and wife I could be.

“I was so nervous walking into Slimming World, but I was made to feel so welcome by the group and my lovely consultant.

“They took me under their wing and made me feel part of the group from my first night and spending time with them every week has really helped me to understand myself better and given me lots of tips about the lifestyle changes that were going to help me."

Abi was thrilled and could hardly believe it when after her first week had lost 6.5lbs.

She added: “I’d probably been eating larger and more regular meals. Meals that I could cook and eat with all my family.

“We would sit around the table eating together and the food was delicious healthy family meals.

Somerset County Gazette:

“We loved making a curry, we ate chilli together with rice and cheese. I was eating food I loved and still losing weight and feeling great.

“This was all just by making some simple changes that I’d learnt about in the group, and I felt amazing.

“I was more confident and I no longer wanted to be invisible when I walked into a room of people.

“The shame I felt of being overweight had gone so there was a weight off my shoulders as well as off the scales.”

Now Abi is much more active, and can often be seen walking around Wiveliscombe with the kids or her much-loved dog.

She also said: “I walk my dog, Polly, for miles around Wiveliscombe and explore new routes as much as I can with friends, I no longer worry about keeping up with her when we go up hills.

“I love using the local swimming pool in the summer, but most importantly I can keep up with my kids.”

Now, over six stone lighter and completely inspired, Abi is excited to be bringing all this support back to the community and will be opening a brand new group in the heart of Wiveliscombe on Thursday, January 26.

Abi added: “Losing weight on your own is really tough, I found being part of a Slimming World group has been such a vital part of my success, and I am so thrilled to be able to offer this lifeline to everyone in Wiveliscombe and the surrounding villages.

"I’d love to see you there at the Silver Street Centre on Thursday 26th at 7pm. Come along and see what it’s all about and how it could help you too.”

Call Abi on 07990861072 for more information and joining offers.