Thornbury slimmers named 'couple of the year' after losing an incredible 10 stone

Joss and Melanie Coward, who are members of the Slimming World group who meet at Turnberrie’s Community Centre in Thornbury every Wednesday, celebrated the accolade during the group’s launch of “Free Food February”, a month-long festival inspired by the healthy eating regime promoted by the organisation.

Melanie, who has lost 4st since joining, said: “When we first joined Slimming World we couldn’t believe how much food we could eat and still lose weight.

“Making small changes to the way we cooked our meals meant we could still enjoy all of our favourite meals like paella, pasta and curries.

“We enjoy spending time in the kitchen together and love sharing our new recipes with family and friends – they taste so good and people can never believe we can eat all the food we do and lose weight.”

The couple, who are both members of Thornbury Cycling Club, have said that the weight they have lost has meant they can be more active and enjoy more activities together – something they wouldn’t have considered in the past.

Shell Roberts, who runs the Thornbury group, says: “Joss and Mel are living proof that slimmers are more successful when they lose weight together and get support and motivation from others along their journey.

Seeing Joss and Mel’s weight come down week after week has been a joy. They’re a real inspiration to the rest of the group, including me. I hope they’ll inspire everyone in Thornbury too.”

The couple were voted for by the rest of the group and have been invited to attend the semi-finals at Slimming World’s head office in Derbyshire later this month, with the overall winners of the competition will take home a £3,000 cash prize or 7-day holiday in St Lucia.

To find out more about the Thornbury Slimming World group, visit one of their meetings at Turnberrie’s on Wednesdays at 5.30pm and 7.30pm, or Thursdays 6.30pm.

Alternatively call 07400 995060, or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk