A slimmer who transformed her life by losing four stone is to use her success to shape a new career helping others to lose weight. 

Sam Evans will take over the Calmore Slimming World group which helped her drop from 16 stone to 12 stone in 18 months - the same amount as four average-weight bowling balls.

She's set to start next week after training as a consultant. 

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Sam told the Daily Echo: "I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started.

"It's a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target.

“I have tried numerous ways of losing weight over the years but Slimming World really works and is sustainable."

Sam, who reached her target in March last year, added: "We have a history of knee problems in our family and I was getting bad knees and was determined not to need a knee replacement!

"It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost four stone without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own consultant and group. I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way."

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The group, which meet on Thursdays at Calmore Community Centre, will be setting targets, sharing recipes and ideas, and working as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success, as well as having fun and encouraging exercise. 

Like Sam, Slimming World Consultants are all former members who have lost weight at their local group themselves.

Sian Ndowora, who runs Slimming World’s Chandlers Ford group and manages Sam, added: "With Sam’s experience of being a successful Slimming World member and her kind and warm personality and great sense of humour, I just know that she’ll be an amazing support to members, cheering them all the way to their target weight.”

For more information pop along to Calmore's Slimming World Group at 4pm, 5.30pm or 7pm or call Sam on 07916158899.