A BOLTON woman made it to the semi finals of a national competition after she lost over five stone.

Cara Difalco was just one of 54 women who made it to the semi finals of a competition to find the UK and Ireland’s top female slimmers.

Cara, who slimmed from 15st 2.5lbs to 9st 13lbs, made it to the semi-finals after members at her Bolton group voted for her to be their representative for the national Slimming World’s Woman of the Year competition.

She said: “I had tried and failed to lose weight so many times that I honestly thought that I was destined to be overweight forever. “Before Slimming World, I always found myself feeling deprived, hungry and miserable when I tried to lose weight. Slimming World completely opened my eyes to a totally new way of eating.

“The changes I made were so simple that I actually barely noticed them.

“I did notice the change on the scales though – in my first week I lost 3.5lbs and I just couldn’t believe it because I’d felt so full and satisfied.”

At the semi finals Cara met Olympic swimmer Mark Foster who congratulated her on her achievement.

He said: “It was a real pleasure to meet Cara and chat to her about her weight loss.

“As an athlete I know how important health and fitness is for your general wellbeing, so I think it’s incredible to hear how these remarkable women have turned their lives around.

“I would not like to be one of the judges because they are all winners in my book!”

Claire regional heat, which put her in the running to win the overall title of Woman of the Year 2016 but she did not make the final of the competition.

Claire Hunter, who runs the Bolton group that Cara attends, said: “Cara is such an inspiration to everyone in our group. While she has lost weight she’s grown in so many other ways – her confidence, her happiness and her zest for life.

“It has been a pleasure to share in her journey I could not be more proud of her and I know the Bolton group all feel the same way.

“She has blossomed into a beautiful woman both inside and out.

“Cara inspires people in group every week.”

The overall winner of Slimming World Woman of the Year 2016 will be announced next month.

Cara attends the group held at Devonshire Road Primary School.

People can attend on Saturdays between 9am and 11am or they can call 07729 771375 for more information.