A 65-year-old woman from Stonehouse has described how losing 6st 0.5lbs gave her a new lease of life after she reached the semi-finals of Slimming World’s national Woman of the Year competition.
Angela Shaw was one of just 36 women to secure a place in the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2026 competition. The event was held at the organisation’s head office in Derbyshire, after members of Angela’s Stroud group voted for her to represent them.
Her achievement was celebrated with Nicola Adams, who made history as the first woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal for Team GB. Adams praised the commitment behind Angela’s transformation and said she had been “blown away” by the result.
Angela’s weight-loss journey
Angela reduced her weight from 17st 5lbs to 11st 4.5lbs. She said that, before joining Slimming World, her weight had affected her confidence, health and ability to live the life she wanted.
“Before joining Slimming World, I felt trapped by my weight. My confidence was so low and I was constantly worrying about my weight. It affected my health and stopped me from living life the way I wanted to. I knew I wanted things to be different, I just needed the right help to me get there.”
She said an accident that left her with a broken arm became a turning point. Angela recalled that she had been unable to get herself off the floor, an experience that made her realise she needed to make a change.
Rather than pursue a short-term approach, Angela said she wanted to make lasting changes to the way she ate and lived. She credited the Slimming World group with providing the support and accountability she needed to keep progressing.
“I joined Slimming World hoping to lose weight, but I gained so much more, like having more energy and a zest for life again – it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Angela said she lost 9lbs during her first week, describing the result as encouraging. She continued to eat meals such as cottage pie, lasagne and chicken curry, but prepared them in healthier ways rather than giving up foods she enjoyed.
The changes she described included choosing leaner meat and using 1-calorie spray instead of oil. She said the approach worked with real life, did not leave her feeling deprived and became easier as the small changes turned into habits.
Angela added that seeing the results on the scales helped motivate her, while comments from friends and family showed her that the changes were also becoming visible to the people around her.
Support from the Stroud group
Angela said there were weeks, particularly at the beginning, when she doubted herself. However, she described the encouragement from other group members and her consultant, Mandy Lane, as invaluable.
She said the group gave her new ideas each week and helped her learn not only about healthy eating but also about changing the way she thought about food. The support helped her maintain confidence while continuing her weight-loss journey.
As she became fitter, Angela also adopted a more active lifestyle. She began taking aqua aerobics classes, walking more regularly and swimming. She said the increased activity had strengthened her confidence and had a positive effect on her mental wellbeing.
Mandy Lane ran the Stroud Slimming World group until her recent retirement. The group at St Matthews Cainscross School is now run by consultant Anne Longstaff.
Lane said support could help people starting a weight-loss journey, returning to Slimming World or seeking support alongside weight-loss medication. The source says people can contact Anne Longstaff on 07773 988478 to find out more about the group.
Nicola Adams praises Stonehouse achievement
Adams told Angela that reaching the national semi-finals was a significant achievement. Drawing on her own experience in sport, she said progress required commitment, focus and patience rather than happening immediately.
“The commitment and dedication it must have taken Angela to lose 6st is remarkable. Success doesn’t happen overnight, whether in sport or in life, and she’s proof of what can be achieved when you stay focused on your goal. Reaching the national semi-finals is a fantastic achievement and Angela should feel enormously proud of how far she’s come. She’s proof that small steps and a positive mindset can lead to life-changing results.”
For Angela, the national recognition followed a personal change that she said had delivered more than weight loss. She described having more energy, taking part in activities she enjoys and feeling a renewed zest for life.
Her place in the semi-finals also reflected the role of her local Slimming World group, whose members selected her to represent them. The Cainscross group now has a new consultant following Lane’s retirement, with Anne Longstaff available on the supplied telephone number for further information.