A WOMAN from Herefordshire has starred in a national magazine after beating the bulge and being named a finalist in Slimming World’s woman of the year awards.

Slimming World member Daryl Snelling, 53, of Abbey Dore, has shed 10 stone and half her body weight, a feat which saw her featuring in Best magazine alongside celebrity Lorraine Kelly.

Her journey started just after her 50th birthday when she weighed in at 19 stone and 8.5 pounds.

But once she joined her fellow Slimming World companions in Kingstone and set her goal weight her life changed for the better.

Now at 9 stone 7 pounds she is happier than ever.

“It’s changed my life,” she said.

Hereford Times: Mrs Snelling used to hide away from photos and social events, now she is proud of how she looks and who she is. Picture: Daryl Snelling Mrs Snelling used to hide away from photos and social events, now she is proud of how she looks and who she is. Picture: Daryl Snelling

Mrs Snelling also won district and regional Slimming World woman of the year which put her as one of the top three finalists for national woman of the year.

“It was fantastic and very unexpected,” she said.

Before her weight loss she could not walk, would have to rest after showering, did not exercise or socialise, was not sleeping, struggled with serve depression, and her marriage was falling apart.

After she started to lose the weight, she became addicted to seeing the figures on the scale lower and her new healthy lifestyle.

“It’s not a quick fix,” Mrs Snelling said.

“My whole outlook has changed.”

Hereford Times: Daryl Snelling now goes on 50 mile bike rides with her cycling friends, and can't imagine her life without exercise. Picture: Daryl Snelling Daryl Snelling now goes on 50 mile bike rides with her cycling friends, and can't imagine her life without exercise. Picture: Daryl Snelling

Although she did not win national woman of the year, the loss was not all bad as it allowed her to become a consultant for her own Slimming World group in Credenhill.

“I want to make a difference to someone as Slimming World has for me.”

She is still a member of Slimming World in Madley as she says being a consultant does not allow you the me time that you need.

“After I joined, I did not feel like I was alone anymore,” she said.

“A problem shared is a problem halved.

“The bond is a huge driving force; we pick each other up.”

Hereford Times: Daryl Snelling says her whole life has changed since losing weight. Picture: Daryl Snelling Daryl Snelling says her whole life has changed since losing weight. Picture: Daryl Snelling

Mrs Snelling’s marriage survived, and she does not want to ever go back to the weight she was.

“Instead of being someone who wants to check out I’ve become someone who wants to live,” she said.