Burnley's very own slimming 'guru' celebrates 20th anniversary of helping people to change their lives

After losing the weight she gained while expecting her son Callum, Caroline decided to become a consultant for Slimming World

She is now celebrating 20 years in the role that sees her help 300 people shed weight and move towards becoming fitter and healthier every week.

Over the past two decades Caroline (57) has helped thousands of men and women to reach their target weight and it has been a labour of love.

Caroline said: "I love what I do, it's as simple as that.

"Joining Slimming World to lose the weight and becoming a consultant was one of the best things I ever did.

" I became a consultant because I was passionate about helping others to lose weight and I couldn’t wait to get started – I remember it like it was yesterday."

Caroline, who runs two groups at Turf Moor and one at St Cuthbert's Church, trained in all aspects of nutrition and the psychology of losing weight at Slimming World’s National Training Academy in Derbyshire.

And Caroline’s role has never been more vital, with overweight and obesity proving to be an important factor during the current covid pandemic.

Caroline said: “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK, with government figures showing that one in four adults are currently obese and, by 2034, this is expected to rise to one in three.

Over the years, Caroline’s passion has grown stronger and she has gone from strength to strength.

She added: "Helping members to make changes that can literally change their lives is hugely rewarding. It’s a privilege to pass on my experience, insight and understanding and support my members achieve their weight loss targets.

"The friendship, support and fun in a group of like-minded people never ceases to amaze me – there’s nothing like it."

But the pandemic put an end to live meetings for the organisation which has quickly had to adapt and boost its technological capabilities to hold virtual meetings to keep in touch with members and provide them with support that is often the key to their success.

Caroline admits the past year has been the most challenging she has faced so far in her career.

She said:"It has been a real task to keep members motivated and on track, especially at the start of the pandemic when we had total lockdown.

"And although I am classed as self employed, Slimming World have been magnificent in providing support."

Formerly a warehouse supervisor for Silent Night, at its former base in Keighley, Caroline has many 'success' stories to her credit, taking several members through to the organisation's national competitions including Young Slimmer of the Year and also Man and Woman of the Year.

And along the way she has met dozens of celebrities including Idris Elba, Peter Andre, Shane Richie and Paddy McGuinness.

Caroline credits her husband, Barry, a retired self employed driving instructor, Callum, who is now almost 21 and studying psychology at Leeds University, and her mum, Lucy Parry for their unwavering support over the years.

Indeed, Caroline's 86-year-old mum has been with her as 'shop lady' from her very first session at Byerden House, another wonderful achievement in itself.

To celebrate Caroline's anniversary the organisation presented Caroline with a Swarovski bracelet and Jennifer Blevins, who is team developer for Slimming World in the Burnley and Pendle area, said she 'couldn't be prouder' of what Caroline had achieved.

Jennifer said: “Caroline is one of our most experienced consultants and a huge asset to our team.

"Her vast knowledge, coupled with a warm heart and caring personality is exactly why she is hugely successful and much-loved by her members and colleagues alike.

"I am honoured to recognise her 20 year milestone, especially after what has been an incredibly tough and challenging year for everyone."

For details of Caroline’s groups and/or all local groups visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 987 8000