'Role model' Gemma lost 10 stone and is in running for Woman of Year award

A 40-YEAR-OLD slimmer says she feels great on the inside and out after losing 10 stone to reach the semifinals of a competition to find Slimming World's most inspiring female members.

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Gemma before her weight loss; and after, pictured with former England rugby international James Haskell

And she celebrated her incredible achievement with former England rugby international James Haskell, who described her as a 'role model'.

Gemma Smith was one of just 42 women to secure a place at the semifinals of Slimming World's Woman of the Year 2025 competition, held at Slimming World's head office in Derbyshire, after losing an incredible 10st 11.5lbs.

Gemma, who slimmed from 20st 4slbs to 9st 6.5lbs, earned her place at the semifinals after the members of her group in Shaw voted for her to represent them nationally.

She said: "Before I joined Slimming World, I felt stuck. My weight was affecting me on the inside and out - it impacted my health and the way I felt about myself.

"My confidence was low and I was self-conscious about my size, but I didn't know how to change things.

"It was worrying that I wouldn't be around for my children and wanting to enjoy life again that jolted me into doing something about it. Finding Slimming World was a turning point. I didn't realise then that it would be the best decision I'd ever make.