A WIRRAL woman who lost a staggering nine stone has been crowned Burlesque chair dancing champion.

Jean Price, from Moreton, joined Slimming World last January after becoming increasingly unhappy with her size.

Her brother's death from type two diabetes at the age of 50 and dad's illness prompted Jean's desire to change her life.

This strong determination to succeed saw the 48-year-old's dress size reduce from 24 to an eight.

On her chair dancing title, Jean said: "I never thought that I would have been able to achieve something like this.

"When I started out I never dreamt I'd be able to achieve all that I have.

"Losing the weight has made such a big difference – it’s changed my life.

"My health is better, I have more energy and I'm much happier now – I definitely feel more comfortable in my own skin.

"I started to put on weight through comfort eating and my love of sweet sugary foods, those exact same food that were a contributing factor to my diagnosis of type two diabetes the disease that claimed my brother's life at only 50 years old.

"I knew I had to do something and quick.

"My doctor referred me for weight loss surgery, then my dad got ill and life spiralled out of control even further.

"I had tried lots of different diets but they usually left me feeling hungry or miserable – or both, in fact.

"With Slimming World it's completely different.

"I never have to miss out and I don't have to get hung up on weighing and measuring everything I eat.

"My family and friends are all amazed by how much I can eat and still lose weight.

"I still eat many of the same meals that I did before I started losing weight, like spaghetti bolognese, curries and roast dinners.

"Now I just prepare and cook them differently – and they taste so much better.

"I've picked up lots of new healthy recipes from the other members at my Slimming World group, too.

"I know a lot of people worry about joining a slimming club because they don’t know what to expect.

"Right from the first moment I walked into my Slimming World group I felt comfortable though, and the support I’ve received has been amazing."

Jean's achievement takes her a million miles away from those swollen knees and the inability to walk upstairs without aches and pains.

She said: "I feel like a different woman to the person who walked into Slimming World 12 months ago.

"I remember feeling like there was no hope when it came to my weight but I've realised that when people believe in you – and you believe in yourself – you can do anything you set your mind to.

"I really hope my weight loss can inspire other people to get started on their own journey and know that there's a whole group of people waiting to support them every step of the way – so much so I'm opening my own Slimming World group at Claremont Church in Sandy Lane, Wallasey on Wednesday January 17 at 7pm and would love to help other people who maybe feel that 2018 is their year for change." 

Judy Baigent, who runs the Moreton group that Jean attends said: "I'm so proud of Jean.

"She's a fantastic ambassador for and what she's achieved is nothing short of incredible!

"She's a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope she inspires other women – and men – in Wallasey to change their lives in the same way."

To join or find out more about joining Jean's group, call 07594882808.