A woman has shed three stones in eight months thanks to a Slimming World group in Seaham.

Jayne Blenkeinsop, 66, struggled with her weight for most of her life before first joining Slimming World in 2012 at 18 stone and 6.5 pounds.

She said: “I had tried lots of different diets over the years and, if I’m honest, I knew exactly why I had gained weight – I simply enjoyed eating the wrong foods.

"I had been looking through slimming magazines wondering what I could do to finally lose weight, when a leaflet from Slimming World dropped through my letterbox.

Jayne Blenkeinsop has lost more than six stones during her weightloss journey with Slimming World.

placeholder image — Jayne Blenkeinsop has lost more than six stones during her weightloss journey with Slimming World.

"The timing couldn’t have been better.”

By January 2024, Jayne had only managed to lose two stones and decided – when she was given her new food optimising book – that it was time to “sort herself out”.

She said: “It was only in 2024 that something really changed for me – my mindset."

For Jayne, her biggest challenge was herself: “Changing my mindset took time. I had to learn a new way of shopping, cooking and eating, while also learning to believe in myself.

"Having the support of the friends I’ve made at group, together with a knowledgeable consultant who believes in me, has helped me to keep going.”

Jayne weighed 15 stone and 7.5 pounds in January 2026 and now weighs 12 stone and 13 pounds.

She said: “My stamina and health have greatly improved. I now go to the gym three times a week and swim regularly.

"One of the things that makes me happiest is being able to kick a ball around the park with my grandchildren – something I can enjoy so much more now that I’m fitter.”

After struggling with her weight for a number of years, Jayne is proud of herself for staying determined and committed.

She said: “This journey has taught me that sometimes the biggest change you need to make is the way you think about yourself.

"I’ve done this for me.

"It feels wonderful to be fitter, less breathless and more confident, and while I haven’t quite reached my target yet, I’m confident that I’ll achieve it in the not-too-distant future.

"My journey has shown me that it’s never too late to change your mindset, believe in yourself and take that next step.”