A KINGSBRIDGE Slimming World Consultant got to meet popstar Jason Donovan at the annual Slimming World Awards.

Heather Gillard, who runs a Slimming World group at Kingsbridge Community College, Kingsbridge every Wednesday and Thursday, got the chance to cuddle up to the Australian singer when he swapped Ramsay Street for the award ceremony.

Jason co-hosted the event with the organisation’s chair and founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE.

Heather said meeting Jason was a wonderful way to round off a fabulous year for the Kingsbridge Slimming World group, as well as a great way to get ready for another successful 12 months:

'I couldn’t be prouder of the members of the Kingsbridge group. They’ve lost fantastic amounts of weight throughout 2015, with many of them making their weight loss dreams come true by hitting their target weight, improving their health and more.

‘It’s so rewarding to see people being able to do things that they didn’t think possible before losing weight, whether that’s wearing smaller clothes, taking up new hobbies, reducing medication or being able to do more with their family and friends.

‘Every week I feel so lucky to play even a small part in people’s achievements and I felt very honoured to represent the Kingsbridge Slimming World group when I met Jason. Now I feel incredibly motivated and I can’t wait to support more people in Kingsbridge to lead healthier, happier lives in 2016.’

Jason, who found fame on Aussie soap opera Neighbours before launching a pop music and stage career, said he was thrilled to meet Heather at the event, which was held at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre.

He added: ‘I’ve been in the business for some time now and I like to think that I have improved with age and experience. It certainly sounds like Slimming World’s only going from strength to strength too, and as they enter their 47th year of helping people to lose weight they’re better placed than ever before to help people to lead healthier lives.

At the awards I met lots of people who’ve lost incredible amounts of weight and it has completely changed their lives – in fact, it’s saved their lives in some cases.

‘And every single one of them told me that they couldn’t have made the changes they have to eat more healthily and become more active without the help and support of their Slimming World group and their Consultant, so people like Heather are clearly very important.’

Heather says 2015 has been a big year for Slimming World, with the organisation welcoming hundreds of thousands of members and launching its first-ever food range, and hopes 2016 will be just as successful.

‘Lots of people will be making resolutions to lose weight and improve their health this New Year. I truly believe that joining their local Slimming World group is the best way for people to lose weight and learn new habits.

‘What I love is that while our members lose weight, they also grow in confidence and happiness – we joke the only thing that gets bigger at our group is our smiles! We’ve had a lot of fun together in 2015 and I can’t wait to see what 2016 holds for the Kingsbridge Slimming World group.

‘I’d love anyone who’s thinking about losing weight this January to join us at Kingsbridge Community College, Kingsbridge every Wednesday and Thursday.’

To get involved with Slimming World in 2016, call Heather on 01548 810148 or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk to find your nearest group.