A stunning slimming duo has been crowned as Slimming World’s ‘Miss Slinky’ and ‘Mr Sleek’ after achieving an amazing seven stone weight loss between them.
Emily Clarke, who has lost over three stone, was voted as Athlone’s Slimming World group’s ‘Miss Slinky’ 2020, and Darren O Hara, who has lost four stone, was named the group’s ‘Mr Sleek’ 2020 after their fellow members were wowed by their successes.
Slimming World’s annual ‘Miss Slinky’ and ‘Mr Sleek’ competitions recognise those members who have transformed both inside and out by becoming healthier and happier, slimmer and more confident.
Both Emily and Darren say they were thrilled to win their respective titles.
Emily who has dropped to a dress size 8 from a size 20, relayed her thoughts following her weight loss achievement.
“This year has had its ups and downs, and although it’s been challenging to stay motivated at times, the constant support of my our consultant and fellow slimmers, both in person and virtually when our group wasn’t able to open, has kept me going. I never imagined coming this far, let alone winning the title of Miss Slinky. It makes this win feel extra special and I’m now looking forward to ending this year on a high, I’ve never felt better,” Emily stated.
Darren, who has claimed his group’s ‘Mr Sleek’ title for the second successive year reflected on achieving his weight loss goal.
“Being voted for by the other members of the group is really great because it’s thanks to their encouragement and our consultant that we’ve stayed committed to losing weight, especially after what has been a really tough year for all of us.
“As a man, joining a slimming group is quite a nerve-wracking decision, yet I can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made - Slimming World has changed my life for the better. When lockdown started back in March I could have given up on my goals, instead I actually achieved my target weigh loss in May, right in the middle of lockdown,” Darren enthused.
Both Emily and Darren love following Slimming World’s Food Optimising healthy eating plan, which encourages members to satisfy their appetite on healthy foods like pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat, fish, fruit and veg and more. Slimmers are able to lose weight without ever going hungry and still enjoy treats without feeling deprived, so there’s no need to miss out on their favourite foods.
Sinead Morris, who runs the Shamrock Lodge Slimming World group which Emily and Darren attend, noted how she was extremely proud of both slimmers.
“This time of the year is usually for getting dressed up and having a good time and while we won’t be able to celebrate in the same way this year, I know Emily and Darren will feel completely different from previous years. They’ve both come so far since the first time they walked through my group doors and watching them transform into confident new people has been inspiring to see, they definitely live up to their new titles of ‘Miss Slinky’ and ‘Mr Sleek’ in my eyes.
“I’ve no doubt that they’ll inspire other people to lose weight too and show that whether you’ve got a little or a lot of weight to lose, especially given the links between Covid-19 and obesity and the impact of lockdown has had on our weight. Emily and Darren have shown that slimming down does not only improve your health, but can also make a big difference to how you feel about yourself and really boost your confidence.
They are both happier, healthier and fitter, and every week the group love hearing about their progress. Emily has inspired us with her home keep fit routines and Darren is a whizz in the kitchen now so it’s great to find out what he’s been cooking up every week,” Sinead remarked.
Local consultant Pauline Bliss, who runs groups in St Kieran’s Community Centre in Athlone stated that both slimmers are an inspiration.
“Darren and Emily are two of many members who are losing weight and achieving their dreams despite lockdown. More than ever, our health is important and help is here,” Pauline commented.
Carol Doran Joyce, who runs her group in Ballybay Parish Hall in Kiltoom asserted a warm welcome would be afforded to all who wished to join a local slimming world group.
“Anyone who wants to lose weight is welcome. Our plan is so safe pregnant women, breastfeeding mums, diabetics, and even children can follow it. It’s family friendly so the whole family can eat healthy without missing out on anything they love to eat,” Pauline continued.
Due to new safety measures, all members are asked to book into a group before attending.
To find out more about joining your nearest group or Slimming World’s temporary virtual service – visit www.slimmingworld.ie and you can discover what a real-life Slimming World group will look like with all safety measures in place here: https://www.slimmingworld.co.uk/blog/discover-keeping-you-safe/
