A SLIMMER who spent years trying to tackle her weight has finally managed to shed the pounds and is now helping others do the same.

Julie Large, who is originally from the Northwich area, but is now living in Sandbach, was getting truly fed up with faddy diets and it was affecting both her physical and mental well-being.

Thinking she was getting too old to tackle the problem, Julie joined Slimming World and five years on is happier than ever and is keen to help shed the myth that age can be a barrier.

"I was miserable and I hated myself," said Julie, now 63.

"I didn't feel well and I was almost sick every night when I went to bed because I had this reflux.

"I joined Slimming World about five years ago now and I lost about three stone in the first year.

"And then I've lost another stone since then."

Northwich Guardian: Julie Large before losing four stonesJulie Large before losing four stones

Julie went on to explain how she had been on medication for around 30 years due to her reflux problems but within six months of joining Slimming World, they had gone.

"I'm sure Gaviscon are probably crying now because I used to go through them like sweets," she said.

"I think I took about eight tablets a day.

"But within six months of joining, I didn't have to take one.

"I feel amazing now."

Northwich Guardian: Julie Large after losing four stonesJulie Large after losing four stones

Julie was so enamoured with her new look and how it made her feel, she was asked to become a consultant.

She went on: "I started in the November before the lockdown.

"I do find when people struggle, and we all do, it's not all plain sailing, one of the beliefs older women is it's their age that is the reason for not losing weight.

"But it's not that at all.

"It's the food and everyone should know that it doesn't matter what time of life you start, you can change your life.

"Losing weight gave me the confidence to find love and I got married in August last year."

If you're interested in joining one of Julie's groups, they take place at Delamere Community Centre on a Wednesday at 5.30pm and 7pm and Thursday mornings at 9.30am and 11.30am.

She also runs clubs at Northwich Cricket Club on a Friday morning at 9.30am and 11.30am.

For more information you can call Julie on 07841 696783 or go to the group Facebook page.