A BOLTON GP who lost six stone to help inspire her patients to keep their weight down has been crowned Woman of the Year at Lostock Slimming World.

Ruth Grey, aged 51, says she has gone from being out of breath climbing up the stairs in her gym to running 10km races since slimming down from a size 22 to a size 12 to 14.

And she has shed the pounds by boycotting microwave meals in favour of healthy home-made dishes.

Dr Grey was handed her award by group leader Di Tierney, who took over the club in July after quitting her job as a banker to follow her dream of helping others lose weight.

Runner up Amanda Bracegirdle was also commended for her four stone weight loss, which she has achieved in just eight months.

Mum-of-two Dr Grey, from Lostock, said: “Being an overweight GP does not send the best message out to your patients as I couldn’t give them proper advice without sounding hypocritical.

“So as my 50th birthday approached I started to try to lose weight, and after I had lost a stone I joined Slimming World.

“I switched from unhealthy microwave meals to home cooked healthy foods made from scratch, because if you do it yourself at least you know what has gone in them.

“I also started going to the gym three times a week and running twice, so I was exercising five time a week, which makes a real difference. It’s such an honour to win the Woman of the Year award. It has been hard work but I feel like a new woman.

“What’s more important is I am helping to motivate my patients and prove to them that it can be done.”

Mrs Tierney added: “She has done fantastically well and is a truly deserving winner.”