LOSING more than 8st saw a Somerset woman reach the semi-finals of a national competition to honour inspiring weightloss stories.

Cheralyn Davey, from Bridgwater, was among 42 women who secured a place at the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2025 contest, at the firm’s Derbyshire head office.

The recognition came after the 51-year-old lost a staggering 8st 5.5lbs, having peaked at 16st 12.5lbs.

And she celebrated her incredible achievement with former England rugby international James Haskell, who described her as a “role model”.

“Before I joined Slimming World, I felt stuck,” Cheralyn said. “My weight was affecting me on the inside and out – it impacted my health and the way I felt about myself.

“My confidence was low and I was self-conscious about my size, but I didn’t know how to change things.

“It was my health and mobility declining, as well as wanting to be a more active mum, that jolted me into doing something about it.

“Finding Slimming World was a turning point. I didn’t realise then that it would be the best decision I’d ever make.”

She said the support of her fellow slimmers in Bridgwater helped along the way.

“The support, ideas and encouragement from everyone each week helped me believe I could do this,” she said.

Bridgwater slimmer Cheralyn has lost a staggering 8st – and got to meet James Haskell

“Going to the group each week was a reset for me, and they’ve been there for me every step of the way. Each week we’d talk about any challenges we had coming up or share new recipes we’d tried, and I learned so much – about food, and about myself and my own relationship with food.”

And her efforts led to a more active lifestyle, Cheralyn said, taking part in the Slimming World activity support programme.

“As I lost weight and felt more confident, I decided to give it a go,” she said.

“I started by going on a short walk as I was on two crutches and struggling to get about and now walk and run without them – I even ran Race for Life earlier this year. I find it really helps me mentally and emotionally too.”

Former England rugby star James is known for promoting mental and physical wellbeing and was full of admiration for Cheralyn’s journey.

“Cheralyn has done something truly inspiring. She’s taken control of her health, built her confidence and developed life-long healthy habits,” he said.

“It shows that with the right support and mindset, you can achieve the things you set out to. She’s become stronger – physically and mentally – and for that she’s a real role model.”

Sharon Lewis-Turner runs the Somerset group Cheralyn attends and spoke of her pride at her efforts.

“Cheralyn is a star and watching her journey has been a privilege. She’s not just lost weight, she’s grown in confidence and self-belief,” she said.

“She’s a huge support to others in group and a brilliant example of what can be achieved. Losing weight isn’t easy, we know that, and support plays a huge role in people’s motivation and success.”

The Slimming World group meets on Tuesdays at 7.30am and 9am at Morganians Rugby Club, and on Fridays and Saturdays at Victoria Park Community Centre, at 7.30am and 9am.

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