A woman who lost more than four stone after joining a weight-loss club in Ramsbottom is hoping to inspire others to do the same. Rachael Fielding, 51, from Brandleshome , hit her target weight within a year of joining a Slimming World group in Ramsbottom after the birth of her child more than 14 years ago and has maintained it ever since. She had gained weight following pregnancy and unsuccessfully tried to manage her weight loss journey alone.

After seeing a post-natal photograph that “horrified her”, Rachael plucked up to courage to join the group, despite feeling nervous and anxious. She said: “The weight just wasn’t shifting. “As soon as I arrived at the group , I was made to feel welcome.

“There was no judgement, everyone was really friendly and welcoming and there was nothing but support. “I met lots of new friends and in less than a year, I had achieved my dream weight, some four stone less than when I started. “I am proud to say that I have maintained that weight to this day.

“Along the way, I have picked up numerous awards in my group from ‘Woman of the Year’ to ‘Miss Slinky’ and more recently the ‘Slimming World Icon’ award. Rachael Fielding (Image: supplied) READ NEXT: Data reveals areas of Bury where houses sell the quickest READ NEXT: Author republishes book on Bury FC's FA wins as he is set to team up with famous face Rachael’s Slimming World consultant reassured her that her weight would never be announced to the group and that only a weight change would be celebrated and supported. No food was ‘off limits’ and she was encouraged to try healthy, family-friendly meals including roast dinners, spaghetti bolognese and chilli.

Rachael is now looking to inspire others after being “living proof that it works”. She added: "I’ve been wanting to make the move for a long time and when I was on a sunlounger on holiday in Egypt, I decided that it was finally time to give it a go. “I learnt the hard way that trying to lose weight on your own and in your own way restricts what you eat.

“Since joining Slimming World, I’ve never thought I was on a diet. There’s lots of tasty filling foods, like potatoes, rice, fish and lean meat, so you’re never hungry and you don’t feel like you’re missing out on food. “It’s an enjoyable and totally achievable way to be to your target weight and stay there for life.

After losing my weight and keeping it off, I know it works. “I’m living proof. If I can use that to help other people, it would be such a great achievement.

” Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to the Bury Times morning newsletter as well as our breaking news alerts. Rachael is now training to be a consultant and will be taking over her own group in Ramsbottom from Wednesday, April 23. She continued: “When I first joined, I never dreamt that one day I’d be consultant here.

“I know the challenges that lie ahead for my members and I will be with them every step of the way to get to their chosen target weight. “It isn’t just about changing what you eat. Let’s find the time to walk.

Let’s wash that car, let’s dance or push that pram. “Our Body Magic physical activity support programme helps members build all kinds of activity into their daily routine and, importantly, at their own pace. “I couldn’t have lost the weight without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own Slimming World consultant and group.

“Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with knowing you’re not alone.” Rachael’s Slimming World group will be held at Christchurch Neighbourhood Centre, Great Eaves Road, Ramsbottom, BL0 0PX every Wednesday evening at 5.

30pm and 7pm from April 23. For more information or to join Rachael’s group, you can contact her on 07421 194113 or turn up at the group..