A County Durham woman who lost weight despite being diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) is now planning to start her own slimming group.

Maxine Johnston, from Shotley Bridge, near Consett, was diagnosed with MS in 2016. Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological condition which affects the nervous system. It is thought to be caused by the immune system not functioning properly.

Around 100,000 people in the UK are living with MS. Though the condition is different for everybody, doctors agree that a good diet and regular exercise can help most sufferers.

Maxine also knew that losing weight would help with her mobility, something that tends to be impaired by MS. Encouraged by her sister – who lost four stone on the Slimming World programme – Maxine decided to give the same programme a try.

Maxine shed one-and-a-half stone and dropped two dress sizes. She can often be seen taking energetic walks around Shotley Bridge.

Maxine said, “I am delighted with the results of Slimming World and its easy-to-use Food Optimising Plan.”

“Whilst I was nervous about going into the group on the first day, I could not have been greeted with a warmer welcome.”

“I have lost the weight without once being hungry, can finally get into size 10 jeans and I like what I see in the mirror. More importantly, the positive impact on my health has been amazing.”

“Before joining Slimming World, regular exercise would have been more difficult for me because of my MS, but the weight loss has improved my mobility considerably.”

Now Maxine’s passion for health and weight loss has inspired her to start her own Slimming World group. She is looking forward to helping her members “gain confidence and achieve the body of their dreams.”

The slimming club will start on 2nd June and will meet at St Mary’s Church hall in Blackhill on Saturdays at 9.30 am.

“It is totally possible to eat your way to healthiness and I am really looking forward to helping others on their weight loss journey. If I can do it, I know you can too. I hope to see you there!”