If you have read my latest weigh-in update, you will probably know that I was shocked to have received the Woman of the Year award in my Slimming World group! It is an accomplished award to achieve, as this is a nominated award rather than just going by weight loss like Slimmer of the Year. Of course, all the awards you receive mean you have accomplished something great.

My consultant told me the evening before the ‘awards’ that I was nominated, and she asked if I would say a few words in the group. A year ago, I would have said, “No way!” but I am so much more confident in the group now than I was hiding away, so of course, I did. I also still have my size 20 ‘fat jeans’ from seven years ago, so I took those in too.

My whole group were shocked when I pulled my jeans out and held them in front of me; honestly, I still am to this day. I cannot believe that I used to fit in those. It brings a tear to my eye when I think about it or look at this photo. I have it stuck on my fridge to remind me how far I have come and where I am not returning to.

A couple of my fellow group members suggested that the boys may fit in my jeans, one in each leg; so I had to get them in of course. As soon as they got in each leg and pulled them up, the first words out of my mouth were, “That is crazy!”. It is. It is so crazy. In my mind, it is, anyway.

On being Woman of the Year in group

It is actually only beginning to sink in now, almost a week after being awarded. It might not seem like a big deal to some, but it means so much to me. To know that people think I am inspiring. It’s just odd, as really, I’m just me.

Everyone says it, but my life has changed thanks to Slimming World. I can now spend half an hour bouncing on the trampoline with the boys; even last year, that felt impossible!

The plan has never felt like a diet to me; I see it as a lifestyle change, and it’s the longest I have ever been able to stick to something other than purely calorie counting. I still eat bread, chocolate, crisps, biscuits, even cake! All of my favourite meals are manageable in a healthier food-optimising way, too.

I never feel like I’m missing out. Sometimes, though, life gets in the way, and we can go off track. But one meal or day off plan doesn’t have to be a disaster – it can still be pulled back for a loss.

My fellow Woman of the Year nominee was just as deserving as me, so I will mention her too – well done, Emma! If I weren’t me, I honestly would have found it so difficult to vote.

I can finally say I am so proud of myself.