New-look Oakham couple who shed nine stone in 11 months named town's top slimmers

A husband and wife have worked together to lose weight and be crowned Oakham’s top slimmers for 2020.

David and Sharon Bull have shed more than 9st between them to win the titles of Oakham Slimming World’s Mr Sleek and Miss Slinky.

Sharon, 51, has lost four-and-a-half stone and dropped from a clothes size 24 to a size 16 since they joined the group together on January 9.

She now wants to use the title as a springboard to further weight loss.

“This year has had its ups and downs,” she said.

“Although it’s been challenging to stay motivated at times, the constant support of my group and consultant – both in person and virtually when our group wasn’t able to open – has kept me going.”

Meanwhile, keen cook David, 50, lost 5st and six inches from his waistline, and swapped his healthy-eating recipes with fellow group members.

He said: “Being voted for by the other members of the group is really great because it’s thanks to them and their encouragement – and our consultant Sheryl – that we’ve stayed committed to losing weight, especially after what’s 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.”

Sheryl Dixon, who runs the Oakham Slimming World group, added: “I’ve no doubt that they’ll inspire other people to lose weight, too, 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 lockdown has had on our weight."

The Oakham Slimming World groups are held every Thursday morning, afternoon and evening at Oakham Rugby Club or remotely depending on Covid-19 tier restrictions.

Due to new safety measures, all members must book into a group before attending.

To join or for more details, contact Sheryl on 07568 361130.