Slimming World’s Couple of the Year 2017, Mark and Amanda Gibbon, were invited along to share their stories and inspire members at Slimming World groups in Ross-on-Wye on Monday, February 12th.

Mark and Amanda explained to members that they embarked on their weight loss journey after they were both left red-faced by a couple of unpleasant experiences. Mark was mortified at being forced to ask for a seatbelt extension on a plane and Amanda was in tears after an incident in a changing room.

Just eight months later, they had dropped almost 12 stone between them to win the national slimming title and Mark’s doctor has told him he’s added 20 years to his life.

Mark (who lost almost 8 stone) is now planning to run the London Marathon on behalf of Slimming World and Amanda (who lost almost 4 stone) has recently become a Slimming World Consultant herself.

Mark said: “Many thanks to Debra Maloney for the invite and to the members for listening and asking questions. Here’s wishing you continued success on your journeys and as we stated “if you want it, you can achieve it - you can make it happen! Enjoy the ride and remember sometimes on any journey we all have slight detours, but we always get back on the route to achieve our destination!”

All members said they felt inspired and thanked Mark and Amanda for coming along to Debra’s Super Slimmers in Ross-on-Wye.