A Colchester mother of three has been recognised with two prestigious national awards for helping people in Essex shed the pounds. 

Linda Duncan, 55, has been working as a self-employed franchisee with Slimming World for more than 20 years. 

Now her work has been recognised with the gold and diamond awards for exceptional service to her members. 

Mrs Duncan supports more than 200 local residents with three Slimming World groups in Shrub End, Great Horksley and Highwoods. 

Gazette:

The awards were given to her due to the large number of members and she has been recognised as one of ten consultants in the country for the quality of her services. 

Mrs Duncan collected the awards at an event in Birmingham. 

She said: “While I’m the one collecting these awards, it’s an achievement for everyone in the group – they’ve absolutely gone for gold and shine bright like diamonds when it comes to their weight loss.

“Seeing new members arrive at our group with their self-esteem at rock bottom and then seeing those same members grow in confidence and self belief so much that they can achieve their dreams is nothing short of amazing. 

"My youngest has just celebrated her 21st Birthday so being able to be a successful businesswoman and change lives as well as have the flexibility is a win-win situation.  

“I know in Colchester, 85 per cent of the population is overweight and life can be so hard, but in our groups we not only help with the food choices but support in a group setting every week to make the changes that are needed.  

“I never went to Slimming World for a career I joined my local group to lose weight and that’s where we all start as a consultant.” 

The groups are currently looking for new members and anyone interested can join the groups or come along for a taster on November 10. 

The groups in and around Colchester meet every Thursday at 9.15 am or 11 am at Highwoods Community Centre, Fridays at 9.15 am at St Cedds Church Hall in Shrub End and at 6 or 7.30 pm at Bishop William Ward School in Great Horkesley. 

For more information contact Linda on 07837186659.