A slimmer who pledged to help others lose weight after her own success has won a prestigious national award for her work, which sees more than 150 people in Burton shed the pounds every week.

Mother-of-two Caroline Lowe started her own weight loss journey with Slimming World more than 10 years ago after trying a number of diets and regimes that did not get her the results she wanted.

After falling in love with the group, Caroline, who is now 55, became a consultant and her empathy has now landed her a top gong.

Caroline, who is also a grandmother to three, said: “I didn’t have a massive amount to lose but I dropped three stone and my weight would be up and down every year due to various issues with my health.

“People struggle for all sorts of reasons but when I lost the weight I gained so much confidence that I just wanted to help others.

"I was stuck in an office job that wasn’t very rewarding at the time and I have never looked back. I wanted to show that I struggled too and I am normal like everyone else.

Caroline, who lives in Mickleover, said Slimming World is “for everyone” and has “completely changed” her life.

She said: “I am proud to be a part of it. Since I started I have seen a lot more men joining and it really can work for everyone. It is popular in Burton and all over the country and I think slimming has become a big part of people’s lives recently.

John Barlow is one of many men to have been helped by Caroline
John Barlow is one of many men to have been helped by Caroline


“It is a really important thing because people are starting to have more and more inactive occupations so the problem is increasing over the years.

“My aim is to try to change their habits for the long term and keep them from yo-yo-ing and to give them the support they need. If you can take the first steps you will be surprised how easy it is to get the results you want.”

Caroline, who runs the Grail Court Hotel Saturday Slimming World groups every week, was presented with a prestigious gold award at the slimming organisation’s annual national awards ceremony in Birmingham for supporting slimmers to reach their dream weight.

Caroline was one of a high-flying group of just 49 of the organisation's 4,500 Slimming World consultants to receive a prestigious gold award this year, making Burton home to some of the most exceptional support in the UK.

Caroline said: “I am delighted to have received this gold award. I truly love my job and I feel so passionate about helping people to change their lives by losing weight.

"Seeing them achieve their dreams is so rewarding and being given this recognition really is the icing on the cake.

Before and after: Slimmer Ruth Damant


“I have worked really hard to make sure that members who join my group get the highest level of service and the weight-loss success they deserve. It is great to be able to tell people in Burton that they have one of the best Slimming World groups in the UK and Ireland on their doorstep.


“It is not just a triumph for me but also for the 150 members in the Grail Court Hotel Saturday groups.

"They are the ones who make it the success it is, with their fabulous energy, the warm welcome they give to new members and the wonderful compassionate support they show to each other every week.

“That is as well as their impressive weight losses while following Slimming World’s hunger-busting Food Optimising eating plan and getting more active, of course.

"They have lost an amazing amount this year, and each week as members lose weight I see them growing in confidence. I see them changing their health, becoming more active, trying out new foods and recipes, and finding the courage to take on challenges that they have always dreamed of.

“Members who arrive at group with their self-esteem at rock bottom start to hold their heads high and stand tall as they lose weight successfully and share their experiences and success with the rest of the group.

"It was an honour to collect this award on stage in Birmingham - I just wish I could have taken all of my members with me!"

Melissa Carvell was helped first hand by Caroline. She said: “When I first joined the Grail Court Hotel Saturday group as a member I was nervous and worried but I needn’t have been. I have lost six stone 6.5lbs since May 2016 and that is all thanks to the support of Caroline and the rest of the group.

Melissa Carvell has lost weight with the help of Caroline

“Every week we share ideas, recipes, advice for overcoming challenges and best of all our achievements. After every session I leave committed, focused and ready for the week ahead.

"It is great too being able to share my success with others who might be struggling and to hear how they have got on when they come back the next week.”

Caroline said: "I would urge anyone who is thinking of coming along not to suffer alone. Some people won’t walk through the door because they are ashamed they let themselves get into that position but it is always so much easier than you think. This is what I am here for."

To join one of the Grail Court Hotel Saturday Groups, which are held every week at 8am, 10am and noon, either pop along or give Caroline a call on 07816 486833.

Caroline’s four top tips to get to your dream weight

  1. Come to the class and get support from like-minded people going through the same thing
  2. If it doesn’t go the way you want you have to carry on through thick and thin as it will get better
  3. Follow the plan – this is your chance to eat everyday food and the meals you want, while still enjoying a glass of wine - what more could you want?
  4. Get involved in activities to give you a bit of a boost. Try and make it fun. It doesn’t have to be too strenuous just little and often is the best way to get into it